After a disappointing 3-0 loss to Mallorca in Spain on Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain traveled to the other side of Europe for their second pre-season outing. The cooler Swedish climate seemed to suit the French side, as they quickly silenced the home crowd with a composed move that saw Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Dário Fernandes, and Ibrahim Mbaye shine, culminating in a goal just two minutes in. Barely a minute later, a Kvaratskhelia strike was parried by Tom Heaton, confirming PSG’s resolve to avoid another dismal performance.

Manchester United fight back

However, the match was far from one-sided. Manchester United grew into the game despite the early departure of Mason Mount through injury. Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo were the most active for the visitors, and after a free-kick from Mbeumo was narrowly diverted by Matvei Safonov in the 20th minute, Diallo capitalized on an error by Axel Koukaba to level the score at 32 minutes. Safonov was then forced to make a sharp save from a Mbeumo free-kick in the 38th minute, while Koukaba lost the ball in dangerous territory to Diallo in the 40th minute, who again tested Safonov in the 42nd minute. Only Kvaratskhelia maintained his early momentum.

Portuguese and Marquinhos make their return

Manchester United showed more composure after the break, with Mbeumo’s effort saved by Safonov in the 54th minute. The visitors then saw Joshua Zirkzee break through in the 72nd minute, prompting a substitution under a chorus of boos as Alessandro Longoni, an 18-year-old summer recruit, came on. Longoni handled the pressure well, though he was not truly tested.

Last Wednesday, Lucas Chevalier had replaced Safonov in the second half. This time, the former Lille goalkeeper remained on the bench as several key names emerged in the 60th minute. It was then that Luis Enrique brought on his Portuguese players (Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Mendes) and Marquinhos, giving them valuable minutes before the season’s opener against Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup.