Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told his Man Utd players they have nothing fear ahead of their Champions League showdown with PSG.
The interim manager has recalled Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard to his attack, while Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly start in the centre of defence after all were rested against Fulham at the weekend.
Solskjaer made five changes in all from the side that won 3-0 at Craven Cottage, with Ashley Young also coming back.
“The players who are at this club are here because they’re special,” wrote the Norwegian in programme notes. “To go on that pitch and wear that shirt, with the quality they have got, they must always be confident.
“So, as we welcome Thomas Tuchel and Paris Saint Germain to Old Trafford this evening, people might point to their squad and the talent that they have in their ranks, but this group of player at United doesn’t need to be overawed by any opponent.”
Solskjaer faces his biggest test in the job against the French champions.
But his pre-match comments are evidence of the air of positivity he has brought to the club since Jose Mourinho was sacked in December.
Mourinho’s United were humbled by Sevilla at the same stage last season, prompting the Portuguese to bemoan the club’s record in Europe.
He said: “In seven years with four different managers, once not qualify for Europe, twice out in the group phase and the best was the quarter-final. This is football heritage.”
Solskjaer, meanwhile, goes into tonight’s game claiming his side are ready to surprise Europe.
“We are so excited for this tie,” he added. “These are the nights we live for that this club. It’s a massive Champions League game against a great opponent, under the floodlights in a fantastic stadium with the best fans in the world cheering us on.
“These really are exciting times and nights like tonight are there to be savoured.”
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe leads the line for PSG with both Neymar and Edinson Cavani ruled out through injury.
Man Utd vs PSG line-ups
PSG XI: Buffon, Kehrer, Kimpembe, Thiago Silva, Bernat, Dani Alves, Marquinhos, Verratti, Di Maria, Draxler, Mbappe.
Substitutes: Areola, Kurzawa, Paredes, Dagba, Paredes, Diaby, Nkunku, Choupo-Moting
