Mbappe Allays Neymar and Cavani Fears

Mbappe Allays Neymar and Cavani Fears

By Max Wise

Kylian Mbappe has played down suggestions that the absence of Neymar and Edinson Cavani will have a telling impact on Paris Saint Germain after they overcame Manchester United 2-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Mbappe got on the scoresheet in the second half as the Parisians ended Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s eleven-game unbeaten run as Manchester United caretaker manager.

Much of the pre-match talk centered on the unavailability of Neymar and Edinson Cavani, who have contributed 40 goals between them this season,but it was Mbappe and former Manchester United flop Angel Di Maria who stole the show at Old Trafford.

After the game, Mbappe charged PSG to be brave in the face of adversity as they bid to win the UEFA Champions for the first time.

"Tuchel told me that it was going to be different, that I was going to touch the ball a lot less," Mbappe said to RMC Sport.

"It was difficult because I am learning this role [as a central striker] but I am not frustrated.

"We must stop feeling fear. Football is played on the field. Neymar and Cavani are ultra-important but people have to support us.

"French football must go as far as possible in the Champions League. People must support us, we will support Lyon [against Barca] next week. We must stop being afraid."

Paris Saint Germain will host Manchester United in the second leg at the Parc des Princes on 6 March