Gianluigi Buffon found himself in the spotlight, in the aftermath of United’s stunning victory in Paris and the Italian’s agent has blamed the ‘wet pitch’ for the goalkeeper’s costly error.
United’s 3-1 win, which knocked out PSG of the Champions League, meant the Red Devils became the first team in Champions League history to progress to the next round having lost by two or more goals at home in the first leg of a knockout match.
And it was the perfect start for United on the night, after a terrible back pass from PSG’s Thilo Kehrer was intercepted by Romelu Lukaku , with the Belgian rounding Buffon and slotting home.
But for World Cup winner, Buffon, the worst was yet to come. On the counter attack United burst forward and Marcus Rashford striked a speculative effort, 22 yards out, towards goal.
The youngster troubled Buffon more than he could have hoped, with the Italian fumbling his long-range effort into the path of Lukaku, who pounced to net his second of the game.
It was a costly error from Buffon as United would go on to score late third goal, courtesy of Marcus Rashford, which would secure their place in the Champions League’s Quarter Finals at the expense of the French club.
Buffon was heavily criticised in France in the aftermath of the game and his agent, Silvano Martina, spoke to Calcio Mercato blaming the wet conditions.
“There is always a lot (of criticism), especially in Italy. For sure the wet pitch didn’t help him,” he said.
“Sometimes there is nobody close to the goal, this time there was [Romelu] Lukaku ready to score. I am sure Gigi has forgotten it already.”
It’s not the first time this season United have been subject to bizarre reasons why the opposition has struggled against them.
Liverpool’s manager, Jurgen Klopp, appeared to blame United’s injuries as an explanation for his side failing to secure three points away at Old Trafford in a 0-0 draw.
And while Buffon’s agent claimed the goalkeeper may have brushed aside thoughts of his error already, United’s fans won’t be in a hurry to forget one of their best European nights in a decade.