Ole Gunnar Solskjaer feels it’s a shame Manchester United won’t face Neymar

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has claimed his players are disappointed not to be facing Neymar in the Champions League this week.

PSG‘s Brazilian superstar has been ruled out of Tuesday’s Champions League first leg at Old Trafford with a metatarsal injury. But while the general consensus is that boosts United’s chances, Solskjaer – who won the trophy as a player in 1999 – doesn’t think his dressing-room would have been rejoicing at the news.

‘He is very, very good, and our fans would’ve loved to see him and the players loved to have played against him. One of the things I remember is playing the best players, Zidane, Ronaldo, Figo, Maldini – you look forward to testing yourself against best,’ said Solskjaer.

Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar won’t face Manchester United on Tuesday due to injury

‘That’s how we were and I’m certain these boys would’ve loved to play against Neymar. Unfortunately he’s not there but don’t forget Kylian Mbappe, Cavani, Di Maria, all these players. They’re a good team and will give it a good go.’

Solskjaer is part of United’s history by scoring the winning goal against Bayern to earn Sir Alex Ferguson his first European Cup. He admits he’ll get ‘tingles and goosebumps’ when he makes his debut as a manager.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says his United players are disappointed that they won’t face Neymar 

‘It was my dream to take Molde into the Champions League because feel I can do something there as a manager and suddenly, bang, I’m there. I watched the draw with my son (when Jose Mourinho was still manager) and I thought ‘Wow, PSG, what a challenge’. Then the next thing I was in this challenge, it’s my challenge.’

Solskjaer’s own favourite Old Trafford memory on European nights is seeing Ryan Giggs tormenting Juventus on the wing. This week, attention will be on the two young flyers – Marcus Rashford and World Cup winner Mbappe.

‘There will understandably be comparisons. I am sure PSG will look at Marcus the way we look at Mbappe – as one of the main threats. Mbappe had a fantastic rise to stardom, he’s got a fantastic smile about him, a great enthusiasm. The pair of them will have a massive impression on football for the next ten years. They will really light it up.’