United’s Impossible Task at Le Parc des Princes?

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The odds are stacked against Solskjaer’s team.

Only three times in the continental competition’s 27-year history have 2-0 first-leg deficits been overturned (a tally that includes United v Olympiakos in 2013/14). Critically, this trio all performed their almighty comebacks on home soil.

But if anyone can overturn this deficit, it is the Norwegian’s Red Devils.

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Doom and gloom were the buzz words during Jose Mourinho’s dour reign. His, temporary, at the moment, successor has transformed fortunes – the first-leg loss the only blemish on his otherwise impeccable record since he was drafted in during December.

Now, confidence and passion are the words being used to describe their play. Goals are flowing through a team suddenly dangerous again.

Of course, United – like their opponents ahead of the first-leg – are severely depleted. Anthony Martial, Nemanja Matic, Ander Herrera, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Phil Jones, Matteo Darmian, Antonio Valencia and Alexis Sanchez have all been ruled out.

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But Solskjaer’s tactical acumen and poise have been constantly questioned throughout his brief tenure. Critics wonder what will happen when the bubble bursts.

Yet it hasn’t. Staunch tests have been presented in the shape of Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool, plus – after the raft of absentees – Crystal Palace and Southampton.

Solskjaer has passed them all.

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His team was well beaten in the second half against PSG, but the margin of defeat was fine. Would any other boss have been able to overcome the loss of two attackers so integral to the way his side play after Lingard and Martial went off at half-time?

They are up against it. Almost every player, however, called upon by Solskjaer is contributing.

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Striker Romelu Lukaku has hit a rich vein of form, while in midfield Scott McTominay has been fearless in recent weeks and Andreas Pereira was excellent against Southampton.

Of course they are underdogs, but Solskjaer has helped this side rediscover its bark.

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