Marco Verratti played a key role in PSG’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United. He praised the PSG fans and also took a dig at United supporters.
PSG defeated Manchester United 2-0 in the first leg of the round-of-16 clash of the Champions League.
Presnal Kimpembe and Kylian Mbappe scored the two goals in the second half to secure a lead in the tie for the Paris outfit.
Manchester United received a further blow in the game as Paul Pogba was given a red card for a foul on Dani Alves.
Marco Verratti was brilliant for PSG despite not being fully fit for the game, as he recovers from an injury he sustained in January. He thanked the PSG fans and also took a slight dig at Man Utd fans.
Throughout the game, the PSG fans were loud and audible and Verratti praised the club supporters. He also funnily stated that it felt like the side was playing at home.
No PL team has been able to beat Ole’s team since he arrived. Only one could get a point off them.
PSG just casually walked into their home with Marquinhos in midfield, no Cavani, no Neymar, a half-fit limping Verratti + a 41-year old goalkeeper and finished them off. Levels.
— Cerè Vicentaye (@Cerebrone) February 12, 2019
One thing that links the best deep-lying passers of the last decade, oddly, is the ability to buy absolute nonsense free-kicks when they get themselves into trouble on the edge of their own box: Busquets, Pirlo, Pizarro (yes) all masters of it. Verratti has that skill too
— Michael Cox (@Zonal_Marking) February 12, 2019
“It’s emotional, it’s great to go away when you’re a fan,” he told the club website following the win.
“They gave us a lot of strength, they can push you to make the effort which can change a move when you’re tired.”
He added that the fans were the ‘best thing in football.’
“The fans are the best thing in football and we need them. They made so much noise that, at times, it was like playing at home,” said Verratti.
He further stated that many believed PSG would fail without Cavani and Neymar, and that the side has proved them wrong.
An unfit Verratti playing in a 2-man midfield away from home is single-handedly controlling the game for PSG and outperforming Pogba. If I speak…
— fabiano™ (@XaviTempo_) February 12, 2019
Marco Verratti has had Jordan Henderson and now Ander Herrera like little puppets on the end of his string.
So good at turning out and evading pressure then playing a penetrating pass.
Showing why you need more than just energy and hard work in the Champions League.
— Raj Chohan (@rajsinghchohan) February 12, 2019
So turns out the one PSG really needed was fit after all. Verratti absolutely outstanding.
— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) February 12, 2019
“People talked a lot about the injuries to Cavani and Neymar,” the Italian added. “But sometimes your strength comes from those who don’t believe in you.
“You hear them and you want to show them what you can do and prove them wrong.”
