Ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup showdown against Aston Villa, Paris Saint-Germain took on Manchester United in their second pre-season outing. The match, played in the cool Swedish climate of Gothenburg, ended in a balanced 1-1 draw, offering both teams valuable insight ahead of their competitive return.
Strong start from PSG despite absences
Fielding a largely experimental lineup, PSG quickly silenced the home crowd with a fluid move capped by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the second minute. The young Georgian winger combined brilliantly with Dário Essugo and Ibrahim Mbaye to set the tone. Just moments later, Kvaratskhelia forced a fine save from United goalkeeper Tom Heaton, confirming the French side’s intent to avoid a repeat of their heavy loss at RCD Mallorca earlier in the week.
United fight back through young talent
Manchester United began to assert themselves after the break. Despite the early injury to Mason Mount, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo posed constant threats. A well-worked free kick by Mbeumo was deflected by Matvei Safonov in the 20th minute, before Diallo capitalized on an error by Axel Koukaba to level the score at 1-1 in the 32nd minute. Safonov then made a crucial save from a Mbeumo free kick in the 38th minute, but Koukaba’s next mistake nearly led to another goal, with Diallo testing Safonov once more before the break. Only Kvaratskhelia maintained the momentum from PSG’s opening exchanges.
Late drama and debuts for new faces
United continued to pressure in the second half, with Mbeumo’s effort saved by Safonov in the 54th minute. The Swede’s aggressive intervention outside his box drew jeers from the crowd, and he was substituted off under a chorus of boos in the 72nd minute, replaced by 18-year-old Alessandro Longoni. The youngster endured a few nervy moments but ultimately held his composure.
On the stroke of the hour, Luis Enrique introduced fresh legs, bringing on Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Mendes, and Marquinhos. The returning players enjoyed around 30 minutes of game time before the season’s opener against Aston Villa, ensuring they remain sharp for the competitive start.
Manchester United: Heaton (Mee, 49’) – Mazraoui (Dalot, 46’), Maguire (c), Heaven (Yoro, 46’), Shaw (Amass, 65’) – Mount (T. Fletcher, 20’), Santos (Tielemans, 65’) – Diallo (J. Fletcher, 65’), Lacey, Dorgu (Fernandes, 65’) – Mbeumo (Zirkzee, 65’).