Following a heavy 0-3 defeat to Mallorca in Spain on Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain traveled to the other side of Europe for their second preseason outing. The cool Swedish climate appeared to suit the French side, who quickly silenced the home crowd with a composed opening goal in the second minute. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Dário Fernandes and Ibrahim Mbaye combined brilliantly to set up the strike, with Kvaratskhelia’s effort forcing a fine save from Tom Heaton.

Manchester United fight back after early setback

Manchester United began to assert themselves as the first half progressed, despite the early departure of Mason Mount through injury. Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo were particularly lively, and after a free kick from the former was deflected away by Matvei Safonov, the latter capitalized on an error from Axel Koukaba to level proceedings in the 32nd minute.

Safonov was later forced into another acrobatic stop from a Mbeumo free kick, before Koukaba lost possession in a dangerous area to Diallo, who forced another save from the Russian goalkeeper. Through all the pressure, it was Kvaratskhelia who continued to pose the biggest threat.

Portuguese reinforcements and Marquinhos make late impact

Manchester United grew more dangerous after the interval, with Mbeumo’s effort saved by Safonov and a late run from Joshua Zirkzee drawing a sharp reaction from the Swedish crowd. The visitors’ goalkeeper was harshly booed for his involvement in play and was replaced by 18-year-old goalkeeper Alessandro Longoni, a new signing, who coped well despite a few nervy moments.

On Wednesday, Lucas Chevalier had replaced Safonov in the second half against Mallorca, but the former Lille player remained on the bench in Sweden. Instead, Luis Enrique introduced several Portuguese players—Nuno Mendes, Vitinha and João Mendes—alongside veteran defender Marquinhos. The Brazilian was introduced for his first competitive action in over a month, giving him valuable minutes ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Aston Villa.