Manchester United have slumped to a disappointed 2-0 defeat to Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain in an International Champions Cup clash at Soldier Field on Thursday.
The result provided a timely reminder to United boss Louis van Gaal of the need to strengthen in central defence as the PSG attack caused the Red Devils defence all sorts of problems over the 90 minutes.
The United back four of Matteo Darmian, Phil Jones, Daley Blind and Luke Shaw were up against it from the outset and goals to Blaise Matuidi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic put PSG in full control by at the half-time break.
Matuidi outmuscled Jones and Shaw for the opener, while Real Madrid target David de Gea was no help to his defender after being caught in no man’s land.
Jones and Shaw were again at fault for the second as Ibrahimovic drifted into the box unmarked and finished through the legs of De Gea.
Despite Wayne Rooney and Memphis Depay’s best efforts, United’s attack appeared to be disjointed and Van Gaal’s side struggled to create any clear-cut chances.
The midfield partnership of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Michael Carrick played right into PSG’s hands, with the duo sitting far too deep and allowing the Ligue 1 side too much time on the ball.
United’s changes at the break helped stem the flow, but PSG goalkeeper Kevin Trapp had a relatively easy night and was rarely tested.
Chances were few and far between in the second half, but PSG substitute Youssouf Sabaly came closest, flashing a shot just wide of the post with 12 minutes remaining.
Check out Blaise Matuidi’s opener below!
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