Solskjaer After PSG: “We Always Believed”

What a magnificent night for all the Manchester United fans around the world. Their team managed to do the unthinkable and unbelievable, by eliminating Paris Saint-Germain from the Champions League round of 16.

It was 1-3 for the guests, (3-3 agg.) who advanced to the next stage because of more goals scored on the road

The Red Devils played against all the odds, and made one hell of a comeback.

With 7 players from the starting lineup ruled out, a two-goal deficit, hostile crowd, and one of the most lethal attacks in the world against them, United was destined to be eliminated tonight.

Watch the Game Highlights from Paris Saint-Germain vs. Manchester United, 03/06/2019 https://t.co/gnVljDdFyw

— GOAL Asia (@GOALasia) March 6, 2019

But Solskjaer and his boys had other intentions on their mind.

“We always believed,” said Manchester United’s caretaker manager.

If anybody has experience with wild and happy endings, it is him. And this match had one heart-attacking finish.

The guests had a 1-2 lead and were in a hurry to score the third goal which would push them to the quarterfinals.

Diogo Dalot wanted to endanger Buffon from a distance, but his shot was stopped by Presnel Kimpembe’s hand. The official Damir Skomina had to check the VAR system to see what exactly happened, and after reviewing the replay, he pointed to the penalty spot.

Marcus Rashford took the responsibility and calmly sent his crew among the 8 best teams in Europe.

“Rashford was fearless for the penalty. Twenty-one years of age. The boy is just fearless,” commented Solskjaer after the game.

The 46-year old also praised Romelu Lukaku, who recorded two goals tonight. The Belgian international flourished over the recent few weeks, getting back his touch and starting to step up when the vast majority of the fans forgot him.

"He made us play offensive football. He gives the young players the confidence." – why the #MUFC players LOVE Solskjaer! https://t.co/0OKMYBJ8Ca#beINUCL #UCL #PSGMUN pic.twitter.com/W9oU9zobzh

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) March 6, 2019

Lukaku was struggling under Mourinho, and the rumors about his departure even appeared. But after this event, we can hardly believe for such a scenario to take place here. Sollskjaer couldn’t hide his delighted after his performance.

“Ever since I came and he came back, Lukaku has worked his absolute socks off. He’s had his criticism, but we’ve played him in a position that suits him better.”

It was he who shocked, the fans at Parc des Princes after only two minutes. Thilo Kehler wanted to connect with his partner from the defense, Thiago Silva, when Lukaku appeared from nowhere and snapped the ball, quickly rounding Buffon for 0-1.

Paris Saint-Germain hit back in the 12th minute, through Bernat. After that, United experienced a period of the match in which the home team dictated the tempo, and was near conceding one more goal. Somehow, they survived and reached another lead.

Marcus Rashford took a long distance shot, and the path of the ball was a bit tricky, which prevented Buffon to stop it. Instead, PSG’s goalkeeper deflected it, but right towards Lukaku who was at the right place in the right time. It was 1-2, and the Devils were back in the saddle.

This boosted the morale of the visitors, who then decided to be more careful and keep that result, before going all or nothing in the last 15 minutes.

That is exactly what happened. With the game nearing to its end, Solskjaer sent two unknown players on the pitch, not having other options. Tahith Chong and Mason Greenwood will no doubt remember this night forever, as they contributed to what might be one of the greatest wins in the club’s history.

"Rashford, he's 21! No nerves whatsoever."

"This club, this is what we do. That's just Man Utd."

A proud and delighted Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reflects on an incredible night 🇾🇪

🎙 @DesKellyBTS pic.twitter.com/zt9lepr6Pk

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 6, 2019

It appears that Solskjaer’s spirit and his tremendous charisma are pushing this team above its limits. The whole atmosphere around him is positive, and that reflects on the locker room and the players.

Unlike Mourinho, he feels the club, and knows the system at the Old Trafford, which is why he didn’t have any doubts about his team’s capabilities of creating a sensation.

“We always knew that it was possible. That’s this club; this is what we do,” he said.

Judging by the way he leads this crew, there are more surprises to come.