Manchester United face a monumental test to reach the quarter-final of the Champions League with French champions PSG standing in their way.
The Ligue 1 leaders have been sensational again this season and they’ll ensure an in-form United face their greatest test since the arrival of caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Red Devils were serious underdogs when the draw was made, but with PSG picking up injuries and United picking up form, this now has all the makings to be the tie of the round in the Champions League Round of 16.
But do Manchester United have a chance of causing an upset? Could Solskjaer's magic continue to help United progress to the next round?
First leg is key
The first leg is absolutely key to this contest. United are home and they must not concede more than one goal.
One away goal is achievable for United to match at Parc Des Princes, but any more and they may just leave themselves with too much to do.
They must also ensure they don’t go to Paris with a deficit and if they do, again, it simply can’t be by more than one goal.
If they go to the French capital two or more down, the French champions will run away with it with their confident style and portfolio of stars.
If United can keep this a close contest, with their new-found confidence, they’ll have every chance of taking the game to PSG in the second half.
How does United’s form stand up?
United head into this game in terrific form, winning 10 and drawing one of their last 11 games.
PSG, meanwhile, have won 11 and lost one of their last 12. The French champions are top of Ligue 1 and 10 points clear at the top with two games in-hand.
They have lost one and drawn two, winning all of the remaining 22 league games and unlike United, there’s been no downfall, no draining period in the season.
With the league title all-but wrapped up, PSG have been able to afford time to prepare thoroughly for this tie.
They are making the Champions League their priority this season, looking to take their club to the next level with European success and Manchester United will have to put up some fight to get in their way.
The Parisians are in an incredible vein of form, even by United’s recent standards.
Can the Red Devils keep up with PSG’s stars?
One of the biggest questions may be whether United can keep up with the unbelievable talent at the disposal of Thomas Tuchel. However, PSG do have a number of key injuries which could significantly help United, especially in the first leg.
Neymar will miss both ties, while Cavani and star full-back Thomas Meunier will miss the first leg and possibly even the second.
That gives United a big opportunity to cause an upset. Though, they will still have to keep the sensational Kylian Mbappe quiet.
The World Cup-winner has scored 25 goals in all competitions this season and United are going to have an incredibly tough time nullifying his threat.
The Red Devils have conceded four in their last five and that’s a defensive record they’ll have to improve on before welcoming PSG.
Whether they can manage that may just define this tie. Mbappe is a match-winner and he could well win this tie for PSG.
United also have star men, players in form like Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba.
Another aspect that may just decide this tie is whether those star men show up, or whether they go back into hiding like they did when the chips were down with Jose Mourinho.
If United can take the confidence shown in recent weeks into this game, then they have every chance.
However, that alone, unlike in recent weeks, simply won’t be enough to beat PSG. They’ll need more here and Solksjaer’s managerial ability will face its greatest test yet.
