This Saturday, August 8, Paris Saint-Germain faces Manchester United in a friendly match at the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg (kick-off at 5 PM CET, broadcast on PSG TV and beIN SPORTS). As before every match, here is a look at the Parisians’ opponents.
Manchester United’s situation –
Manchester United has enjoyed a magnificent era, of course, establishing itself as one of the world’s biggest clubs. This was notably under the legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson (1986–2013), winning 13 Premier League titles, 5 FA Cups, 4 League Cups, and 2 Champions League trophies, among other honors. However, his departure left a void that proved very difficult to fill.
Since then, Man U has endured years of mixed results and managerial changes. They even came close to relegation to the second division. Fortunately—or perhaps so—a solution may have been found with the arrival of Michael Carrick on January 13, 2026, stepping in after the failure of Ruben Amorim. The former Red Devils midfielder left Middlesbrough to take on this challenging role. The start has been very promising, and the entire club and its supporters hope this momentum continues.
The 2026 summer transfer window –
Source: L’Equipe.
Departures:
Arrivals:
Key statistics –
Last season, Manchester United finished with the third-best attack in the Premier League, scoring 69 goals (leaders Manchester City scored 77, while bottom side Wolverhampton scored 24). They also had the sixth-best defense, conceding 50 goals (Arsenal had the best defense with 27 goals conceded, while bottom side Burnley conceded 75).
Manchester United’s top scorer was Benjamin Sesko (a 23-year-old forward); with 11 goals, he ranked 12th in the league (the Premier League leader was Erling Haaland with 27 goals). Bruno Fernandes (a 31-year-old attacking midfielder) was the English club’s top assist provider with 21 assists, placing him first in the Premier League (a record).
Manchester United friendly matches –
Only Manchester United’s possession is listed, and Brest’s shot count is shown first (where data is available).
18/07/2026 – Manchester United vs. Wrexham: 0-1. Formation: 4-2-3-1. 57% possession. 5 shots vs. 3.
24/07/2026 – Rosenborg vs. Manchester United: 0-5. Formation: 4-2-3-1. 47% possession. 16 shots vs. 11.
01/08/2026 – Manchester United vs. Atlético Madrid: 2-1. Formation: 4-2-3-1. 53% possession. 13 shots vs. 10.
Probable 4-2-3-1 lineup:
Mbeumo
Cunha – Fernandes – Amad Diallo
Mount – Tielemans
Shaw – Heaven – Maguire – Yoro
Lammens
United’s playing style.
Under Carrick, Manchester United has adopted an attacking and relatively direct style of play. The goal is not to hold onto the ball for long periods, but rather to strike quickly—whether by playing out wide or using balls in behind—without hesitating to take shots. All this with a defense that still needs fine-tuning, as it can struggle to cope with such frequent transitions.
Against PSG, the team might set up to play on the counter-attack, as is often the case. However, it is also an opportunity to attempt an ambitious and spectacular style of play. It all depends on the focus primarily desired by the coach.
