Arsene Wenger insists Manchester United’s failure to take control of the midfield was one of the main reasons behind their 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League round of 16 first leg.
The Red Devils were billed as the favourites as PSG were without their star player Neymar and main striker Edinson Cavani. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side had been on a brilliant run having not registered a defeat in their last 11 matches.
But the Red Devils failed to take advantage of the situation as PSG dominated in a one sided contest. Kylian Mbappe and Presnel Kimpembe both registered their names on the score sheet as the French side will now have an advantage of two valuable away goals making United’s task virtually impossible.
Wenger said, “The difference, technically, in speed of understanding of the game between the two teams, was huge and it became bigger as the game went on.”Man United played at home and had one shot on goal in a Champions League game – that tells you the difference between the two teams.
“In the Champions League you can’t be dominated in midfield and the whole evening, Manchester United were dominated in midfield.
“PSG played with five midfielders and they never lost the ball.
“Manchester United could never win the ball back and when they had the ball they lost it very quickly because PSG dominated the midfield to win the ball back.
“They lost the battle in midfield. When you play at home and you cannot keep the ball, you’re always in trouble.”
