Why we lost 3-1 to PSG – Man United boss Solskjaer explains

Manchester United's manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pats PSG's Neymar on the back at the end of a Group H Champions League soccer match between Manchester United and Paris Saint Germain at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020. [AP Photo/Dave Thompson]

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes lack of clinical finishing from his strikers denied his side vital points as they lost 3-1 at Old Trafford to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Wednesday, December 2.

Brazilian Neymar scored in each half, with compatriot Marquinhos adding another to completely open up Champions League Group H.

Marcus Rashford scored for Man United to level the game in the 32^nd minute, but his efforts were not enough to deny last season’s finalists an important win at Old Trafford.

Man United will now need nothing less than a win at RB Leipzig on Tuesday, December 8 should they want to qualify for the Round of 16, with both PSG and RB Leipzig boasting nine points after 5 games.

“It was a very good game which deserved fans. With a bit more clinical finishing we should have finished the game. They were there for the taking,” said the Man United manager.

“We had some big chances. The difference when you get to the big games is the clinical moments,” he added.

Solskjaer also told press he spoke with his Brazilian midfielder Fred, who was shown a second yellow card in the second half after a tackle on ex-United player Ander Herrera.

“Fred has played really well. We spoke about staying calm and on your feet. The second yellow card was nowhere near a foul. Ander knows that,” he explained.

Manchester United's manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pats PSG's Neymar on the back at the end of a Group H Champions League soccer match between Manchester United and Paris Saint Germain at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020. [AP Photo/Dave Thompson]

Solskjaer expressed confidence of his team’s progression to the next round, bearing in mind all three teams tied on points in the group could easily slip into the Europa League.

“The destiny is still in our hands. If we go to Leipzig and win the game we go through. We want to be in the Champions League and we need to show that next week with a good performance,” said Solskjaer.

Man United’s focus now turns to the Premier League where they travel to the London Stadium on Saturday to face a tricky West Ham side.