Manchester United vs PSG Combined XI | UEFA Champions League 2020/21

Central Midfield

Fred, Marco Verratti

Verratti is one of PSG's most crucial players

Brazilian midfielder Fred has undisputedly been one of Manchester United's most indispensable players this season. The 27-year-old has often divided opinion during his career as a Red Devil, and despite that still being applicable for this season, his work ethic and defensive coverage has been superb. In fact, United have only lost one game — a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at home — with Fred in the starting XI this season.

Fred has been pivotal of this United midfield, and his energy and press resistance have been key components for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's approach. While he still remains a bit too untidy on the ball and has a knack of giving away the ball too cheaply at times, his counterpart in this midfield pairing, Marco Verratti, is on the other end of the spectrum.

Since joining Man Utd, Fred has made more ball recoveries per 90 in the Premier League than any other outfield player with 900+ minutes.You’ll get tired just looking at his defensive coverage. 😰 pic.twitter.com/ydzG48luOB

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 1, 2020

The Italian international, when fit, is one of the most impressive midfield controllers in Europe. Verratti has long been a vital cog for the French champions and is player who can help dominate midfields with his superb vision, ability to wriggle out of tight spaces and tremendous work rate. Verratti has averaged a staggering 93.3 passes per 90 minutes this season for PSG, a figure that is at least 24 passes higher than any player on either side.

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Attacking midfield

Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United superstar Bruno Fernandes

Arguably one of the first names on the teamsheet, Bruno Fernandes is one of the most in-form midfielders in world football at the moment. The Portuguese playmaker had a phenomenal impact on Manchester United last season after his winter move from Sporting Lisbon, and has picked up right where he left off with another scintillating campaign so far.

The 26-year-old has already racked up seven goals and three assists in his opening nine Premier League appearances, and also has three goals and an assist to his name in the UCL. Fernandes has been the driving force not only of the United midfield but of the entire team, with his mentality and leadership ability on the pitch.

Bruno Fernandes in the league and European competition since the start of the 2017-18 season:⬡ 139 games⬢ 71 goals⬢ 48 assistsDirectly involved in a goal every 101 minutes... from midfield. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/fdCLahFtas

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 24, 2020

Manchester United's #18 will undoubtedly be PSG's most significant concern heading into the game, and he was also on target the last time the two sides met in Paris.

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