Manchester United and PSG produced a surprisingly chaotic 90 minutes of Champions League football on Wednesday evening as the French champions ran out 3-1 winners at Old Trafford.
United were on top for most of the game but Fred with 21 minutes remaining and a brace from Neymar finally condemned the Red Devils to defeat, leaving Group H set to go into the final round of fixtures in thrilling fashion.
As it is in Group H:
➊ PSG (5 games, 9 points)
➋ Man United (5 games, 9 points)
➌ RB Leipzig (5 games, 9 points)
➍ Istanbul (5 games, 3 points)
? #UCL pic.twitter.com/BOyAXb9b95
— 90 Minutes (@90min_Football) December 2, 2020
PSG took the lead after six minutes, with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe combining well for the former to slot home at the near post.
United should have been a goal and a man down when Fred Leandro appeared to pounce on Paredes’ head. The referee went to check the monitor, initially couldn’t find the monitor and ultimately opted to give the Brazilian a yellow card. The pair then scrapped for the remainder of the first half.
Watching Fred vs. Paredes in his half, you’d think there was some kind of rivalry between Brazil and Argentina.
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) December 2, 2020
The referee just gave Fred a yellow card when he headbutted Leo Paredes. Nicolas Pepe headbutted a Leeds player two weeks ago and was immediately sent off. I have never seen anything like this before. VAR then strikes.
— SoccerBible (@FutbolBible) December 2, 2020
Fred was walking a fine line and United fans were insisting he should have been replaced ASAP. But Ole knows better and I’m sure it didn’t hurt.
Subbed Fred before it’s too late.
— Eddie White (@1957eddie) December 2, 2020
We need to get Fred off at halftime.
He has lost his mind.
— Shirtless Plantain Show (@Nigerianscamsss) December 2, 2020
Not to be outdone, Scott McTominay and Neymar then enjoyed themselves a bit after the Brazilian forward found himself on the end of a great sliding tackle, which continued in the tunnel at half-time. With a heartwarming discussion between the pair.
Scott McTominay slams Neymar I am dead. Imagine seeing Scott’s face laughing at you constantly makes me want to go home.
— Jordan Clarke (@FourFourJordan) December 2, 2020
Maxaus leaving the dressing room trying to find Neymar again pic.twitter.com/GPISiVQwb8
— Pastor Dax (@DaX_Utd) December 2, 2020
United came out with the game all guns blazing in the second half. Edinson Cavani hit the crossbar with a superb chip, and Anthony Martial saw two superb chances go begging.
But with the Red Devils comfortably the better side, PSG then inevitably took the lead again, Marquinhos heading home from a corner.
And just to add salt to the wound, Fred wasn’t sent off for something he did in the first half, Fred was sent off for something he didn’t do in the second. Gone was catching Ander Herrera with a late tackle. .
⏱️ 67′ – United on top with plenty of chances.
⏱️ 69′ – PSG take the lead and Fred is sent off. #MUPSG | #UCL pic.twitter.com/KohYlkBOLV
— 90 Minutes (@90min_Football) December 2, 2020
It immediately prompted questions as to why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer didn’t bring Fred off at half-time, with United midfielder Nemanja Matic on the bench for much of the game walking on thin ice.
Ole is paid handsomely to make such important decisions when it matters most. There was no way he should have kept Fred when he was on yellow and saw how the PSG players were behaving all game. This is absolutely criminal and could cost us our CL qualification.
— The Man Utd Way (@TheManUtdWay) December 2, 2020
How does a guy who’s been subbing his whole career not know when to sub?
— Pøgba Senior (@TheSaItIsHere) December 2, 2020
United continued to push for an equaliser, before Neymar wrapped up victory in style for PSG. The forward outran a handful of United defenders on the halfway line, charged into the box and finished the move he started.
Harry Maguire meets Neymar.
Sit down pic.twitter.com/Qr77kKR1BB
— Bongani_Cartel (@Pena_Cartel) December 2, 2020
dirt Any silver linings, ole?
At least McTominay caught Neymar a few times? #MUFC pic.twitter.com/P198ikHiuA
– Percival?? (@TheHatredDevil) December 2, 2020