‘This could be a game to kickstart season, they will take huge confidence’: Rio Ferdinand thrilled as Manchester United deservedly beat last season’s runners-up PSG in Champions League opener
Rio Ferdinand was absolutely ecstatic with Manchester United‘s performance in their impressive victory over last season’s finalists PSG on the opening night of the Champions League.
A brilliant late winner by Marcus Rashford – two years after he netted a last-minute penalty against the same opponents – in Paris meant Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side kicked-off their European campaign with a highly-deserved three points.
Ex-United defender Ferdinand emphasised how vital the result could be in the long-run for Solskjaer and his team, following an indifferent start to the season.
Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for Manchester United’s display against PSG on Tuesday night
Marcus Rashford drilled in an 87th minute winner to clinch three points at the Parc des Princes
The United striker celebrates his late winner, repeating the same feat as two years ago
‘Fantastic performance, the way they defended to a man and as a team, how compact they were, they stuck to their job and defended really well,’ Ferdinand told BT Sport after the game.
‘They were a threat on the counter, [Marcus] Rashford had three sniffs, but in the end he came up with the goods. The start of the season lots of negativity, this could be a game to kickstart season, they will take huge confidence as a collective.
‘He [Ole Gunnar Solskjaer] earned his paper today. Bring on [Paul] Pogba, changing up the system. The confidence they will gain will be huge for them ahead of a massive run of games.
‘You have to reward performances like that [Tuanzebe], to play like that out of the cold, you deserve to be rewarded.
Ferdinand also commended Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for his selection calls on Tuesday night
‘He [David De Gea] had a period where he was making mistakes, it wasn’t just one game, but Ole backed him, so Ole deserves credit too.’
Bruno Fernandes, captaining his club for the first time, had given United the lead in the first-half following a re-taken penalty, but PSG – last season’s runners-up – equalised after Anthony Martial headed into his own net from a corner in the 55th minute.
But amid an open finale to the contest, Rashford converted brilliantly into the corner to clinch the win and fellow former United man Darren Fletcher also thought the visitors were the better side on the night at the Parc des Princes.
‘They started off with a back five, PSG came into the game second half, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer quickly shifted and after that they were the better team,’ Fletcher said.
Rashford’s excellent winner handed United a crucial win in their Champions League opener
David de Gea’s early contribution was vital for Manchester United against Paris Saint-Germain
‘They win the game with a fantastic strike from Rashford.’
Owen Hargreaves, another former United midfielder, added: ‘It was top class. David De Gea made three world class saves, [Axel] Tuanzebe was the best centre back on the pitch.
‘I loved the energy, that was top drawer. They looked fit tonight, every player outperformed PSG player, David De Gea looked top drawer, Bayern best team and have balance and great mix, United had great mix tonight.’
