Paris Saint-Germain held to a draw by Manchester United ahead of European Super Cup
With just four days remaining until their European Super Cup showdown against Aston Villa, Paris Saint-Germain squared off against Manchester United in their second pre-season test. The match concluded in a 1-1 stalemate at the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Following Wednesday’s disappointing 0-3 defeat against Mallorca in Spain’s Segunda División, PSG traveled to the other side of Europe to face Manchester United. The cooler Swedish climate seemed to benefit the French side, who were missing several key players. The Parisians quickly silenced the home crowd with a fluid attacking move that featured standout performances from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Dário Moreira, and Ibrahim Mbaye, culminating in a second-minute goal.
Within minutes, Kvaratskhelia tested Tom Heaton with a fierce strike, confirming PSG’s determination to avoid another lackluster display like their previous one. However, United began to regroup despite the early setback, with Mason Mount forced off injured in the 19th minute.
United fight back in Sweden
Manchester United showed resilience, with Bryan Mbeumo proving particularly troublesome alongside Amad Diallo. After a free kick from Mbeumo was deflected by Matveï Safonov in the 20th minute, Diallo capitalized on an error by Axel Koukaba to level the scores in the 32nd minute.
Safonov was then forced into a brilliant save against a Mbeumo strike in the 38th minute. Koukaba nearly gifted United another chance moments later, but Diallo’s shot was again thwarted by Safonov in the 42nd minute. Throughout the half, only Kvaratskhelia maintained the momentum PSG had shown at the start.
Portuguese talents and Marquinhos see action
In the second half, Manchester United grew more dangerous, with Mbeumo testing Safonov again in the 54th minute. Safonov’s bravery in rushing out to confront Joshua Zirkzee in the 72nd minute drew jeers from the crowd, leading to his substitution under a chorus of boos. Alessandro Longoni, an 18-year-old summer signing, took his place but faced little pressure.
On Wednesday, Lucas Chevalier had replaced Safonov late in the previous match. This time, the former Lille goalkeeper remained on the bench, allowing several first-team players to make brief appearances. Luis Enrique used the hour mark to introduce his Portuguese contingent—Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Mendes—and captain Marquinhos, who logged around 30 minutes before the highly anticipated Super Cup clash.
Matchday lineups
Manchester United (starting XI): 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′).