Three Manchester United players with huge opportunity against PSG
Manchester United face Paris Saint-Germain at 4pm on Saturday, and Michael Carrick’s reduced attacking squad gives several players a major opportunity to strengthen their position before the Premier League season begins.
Benjamin Sesko remains unavailable as he continues recovering from a shin problem, while Matheus Cunha is also absent from the travelling squad.
ReadManUtd’s latest Benjamin Sesko injury update explains that United expect the striker to recover for the start of the league season, but Saturday provides others with another chance in his absence.
Carrick has taken just four recognised forwards to Gothenburg: Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, Joshua Zirkzee and Shea Lacey.
Three in particular have something significant to prove.
Zirkzee arguably has the most at stake.
Sesko remains Carrick’s leading centre-forward when fit, while United have also found success using Mbeumo through the middle during pre-season.
That leaves Zirkzee needing to force himself back into the conversation.
The Dutchman has travelled to Sweden and could either start centrally or receive significant minutes from the bench.
His technical qualities have never really been the question. Zirkzee can drop between the lines, combine with midfielders and create space for runners around him.
The issue is whether he can provide enough threat inside the penalty area.
PSG offer the perfect opportunity to make that case.
A strong performance against elite defenders would give Carrick another reason to keep Zirkzee heavily involved once Sesko returns rather than viewing him primarily as depth.
Lacey has quietly become one of the biggest winners of United’s pre-season.
The teenager was trusted in an advanced role against Atletico Madrid and helped create the penalty which allowed Mbeumo to bring United level.
Carrick has continued including him despite senior internationals gradually returning to the squad.
talkSPORT’s preview of Manchester United against PSG highlights how Carrick has continued giving younger players meaningful opportunities throughout the summer.
Facing PSG is another level entirely.
Lacey will have less time in possession and fewer opportunities to attack defenders than he enjoyed against Rosenborg.
That is precisely why the game could be valuable.
If he can still receive the ball confidently, carry a threat and contribute without possession against Champions League-quality opposition, Carrick will have further evidence that the 19-year-old can handle first-team football this season.
Harry Amass
Amass has a different opportunity.
United remain interested in strengthening at left-back, but their pursuit of Lewis Hall has hit a major obstacle after Newcastle made clear that the England international is not for sale.
ReadManUtd reported on Friday that Newcastle rejected United’s enquiry for Hall, leaving Carrick and the recruitment team considering alternative solutions.
Amass can make one of those solutions much simpler.
Luke Shaw remains the senior option on the left, but United will need depth during a season containing Champions League football.
Amass has already received substantial first-team exposure and is part of Carrick’s 22-man squad in Gothenburg.
PSG would provide an ideal examination of his defensive progress.
United are unlikely to dominate possession for the entire game, meaning any left-back involved could spend sustained periods dealing with movement, pace and one-against-one situations.
Performing well would not suddenly end United’s interest in another defender.
It would, however, strengthen Amass’ argument that Carrick already has a genuine first-team option within his squad.
ReadManUtd’s same-day PSG build-up describes Saturday as United’s sternest examination of pre-season so far.
For established players, it is another fitness exercise.
For Zirkzee, Lacey and Amass, it could mean considerably more.
James Chettle is a journalism graduate from the University of Liverpool with a strong passion for football and digital sports media. A lifelong Chelsea supporter, James manages dedicated social media pages for fellow Blues fans, giving him a close understanding of supporter culture and the conversations that matter most to audiences. Alongside his Chelsea-focused work, he writes across the Dave.Sport network, covering West Ham United, Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Manchester United. His journalism spans breaking news, transfers, match analysis and the wider stories shaping clubs across the Premier League.
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