Paris Saint-Germain played in the Champions League on Tuesday. So did RB Leipzig. Neither should have escaped Manchester United’s attention.
They controlled Group H of the Champions League after beating each, but lost three of their last four games, dropped into the Europa League and now risk a second elimination from continental competition already this season.
They play two days after their recent conquerors, in a city that offers hope but otherwise in an unpromising situation. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was an unused substitute when Roy Keane inspired United to victory over Juventus in the 1999 Champions League semi-final. Now Turin hosts Real Sociedad, a by-product of Spanish regulations about travellers from the United Kingdom.
Solskjaer has conceded it affords United an advantage. That may be cancelled out by their record against Spanish clubs and their injury list. They have exited Europe to teams from La Liga in each of the last three seasons, including a Europa League semi-final defeat to Sevilla at a neutral venue in Germany in August.
"It's probably down to the level of teams we've played,” Solskjaer said. “Spanish teams are good and we haven't played well enough.” They have only overcome one Spanish club – Celta Vigo four years ago – in the knockout stages since the 2008 semi-final win against Barcelona. They face an old tormentor, the former Manchester City captain David Silva, on Thursday night.
They approach a reunion without a full contingent of midfielders and forwards. Donny van de Beek and Edinson Cavani have not even travelled to Italy. Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay are fitness doubts.
Solskjaer suggested Paul Pogba will miss both legs against Sociedad plus Premier League clashes with Chelsea and Manchester City. “Paul is recovering well but he won't be playing in February, that's for sure,” he said. “It is still a few weeks until we see Paul.”
While Juan Mata, who has not been involved in United’s last five games, is back, there could be an added emphasis on younger forwards. The January arrival Amad Diallo and the 17-year-old Shola Shoretire are in the squad and could debut while Solskjaer could do with two of last season’s talismen rediscovering that prolific form.
Martial’s dip in form does not justify the racist abuse he has received on social media. Solskjaer condemned it but said the Frenchman is coping. "I spoke to him this morning and he's mentally strong,” he said. "It's not something anyone should have to go through. He definitely seems like he is – he's not checking social media – but it is disgusting. We have to do something about it."
Mason Greenwood signed a new contract on Tuesday, keeping him at United until 2025. The teenager was a revelation last year, scoring 17 times but only has four in the current campaign. "First season not many know you, second season they catch up on you," Greenwood said. "You need tricks up your sleeve. Hopefully I can get back to the standards of last season. I feel I am getting closer."
He is taking the opportunity to benefit from the experience from goalscorers of different generations, in Solskjaer and Cavani. “They both were and are amazing players,” he said. “I have been learning a lot off Edinson, Solskjaer being my coach it is a positive to have them both there."
Greenwood has often operated off the right for United but Solskjaer, who has often described him as the best finisher at the club, believes he could also become a No 10. He said: “In the next year or two we will have to find out if he will be a No 9 or a shadow striker or a forward drifting inside.”
