Opinion: All 11 starting players were on top of their game at PSG in the Champions League

Up front, Anthony Martial will know his mistimed headed clearance will be a blot on his copybook as the own-goal handed PSG a route back into the game. Yet it was his swift turn that earned our penalty and he was another who grew in stature as the game panned out, highlighting his quick feet and dribbling ability, allied to an ability to twist away from his markers. Constantly looking to work an opening, he kept the home defence on its toes and it is just a shame he still has two games of his domestic ban to see out.

Last, but certainly not least, Marcus Rashford is maturing into a footballer who can shine on the big stage. The Wythenshawe wonder stretched the PSG backline with his speed and was able to run and dribble with the ball on numerous occasions. Navas had repelled a couple of his shots but the Costa Rican had no chance when the England international took advantage of a moment’s hesitation at the back to find an angle and arrow the finish in off the far post.

It was a wonderful moment – he clearly likes playing at the Parc des Princes – and the fact he ended the game with the captain’s armband shows the esteem in which he is held. By then, the substitutes had come on to play their part, and the first of these, Pogba, was very impressive, doing far more than registering an assist for the winner. However, if we are focusing on the 11 starters, to a man, they were all in peak form. 

As Sir Alex would testify, it is not very often you are lucky enough to say that.

The opinions in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Manchester United Football Club.

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