Verratti starts for injury-hit PSG at Man Utd

Pulse News Agency International by AFP

February 12, 2019 7:24 PM

Paris Saint-Germain manager Thomas Tuchel was forced to start Marco Verratti despite doubts over the Italian's match fitness for Tuesday's Champions League last 16, first leg at Manchester United.

Marco Verratti starts for Paris Saint-Germain against Manchester United on Tuesday

The loss of the world's most expensive player Neymar, forward Edinson Cavani and defender Thomas Meunier to injury has left Tuchel with precious little to choose from for a side that have spent hundreds of millions in the transfer market in recent years.

Verratti made his return from a three-week injury layoff in Saturday's 1-0 win over Bordeaux and starts alongside Marquinhos, a central defender by trade, and Julian Draxler in midfield.

Angel di Maria also starts on his return to Old Trafford after one unhappy season with United in 2014/15 with Kylian Mbappe leading the line in the absence of Neymar and Cavani.

Manchester United caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has no such injury problems as he looks to continue an unbeaten 11-match run since taking charge.

The Norwegian makes five changes from Saturday's 3-0 win at Fulham with Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Ashley Young, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford returning after they were rested at Craven Cottage.

Starting line-ups for the Champions League last 16, first leg between Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford on Tuesday (kick-off 2000 GMT):

Manchester United (4-3-3)

David de Gea; Ashley Young (capt), Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Luke Shaw; Nemanja Matic, Ander Herrera, Paul Pogba; Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial

Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3)

Gianluigi Buffon; Thilo Kehrer, Thiago Silva (capt), Presnel Kimpembe, Juan Bernat; Marquinhos, Marco Verratti, Julian Draxler; Dani Alves, Kylian Mbappe, Angel di Maria

Referee: Daniele Orsato (ITA)

Pulse News Agency International by AFP