UPDATE: The Champions League draw was subsequently redrawn. Manchester United will face Atletico Madrid.
The following article is now outdated. For reaction to the Atletico tie, click here.
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Manchester United have been drawn against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last 16.
The matches will be played between mid- February and mid-March.
United have already earned £30.4 million from this year’s Champions League campaign so far and will be in line to generate more income, the further the team progresses.
Here is a look at our instant reaction to the draw…
Two positives
United can beat PSG: United have shown before that PSG can be beaten. The team knocked PSG out of the competition in the last 16 in 2019.
United also split wins with PSG in the group stages last season, with both teams winning the away ties.
Many players in United’s squad played in those matches and know what it will take to win. This is a tough tie, but also a winnable one – and as Edinson Cavani says, to be the best you have to beat the best.
Ronaldo v Messi and a motivated Rangnick: From a drama perspective, this is going to be a titanic clash, with two of the world’s greatest footballers going head to head.
Cristiano Ronaldo will face Lionel Messi for what could be the last time ever. He will be highly motivated to win against the Argentine.
Interim boss Ralf Rangnick will also be motivated too, for pride, to show what he can do. Rangnick going up against Mauricio Pochettino in the dugout will be a big story too.
One negative
The worst possible draw: Let’s face it, this was the worst possible draw for Manchester United.
Ties against Salzburg, Benfica, and Sporting all passed us by. Even Atletico Madrid or Inter Milan would have been preferable. Typically, United landed the toughest draw of all.
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