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International Champions Cup: Paris St-Germain def. Manchester United

By Mike Dyce

Jul 29, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Paris Saint-Germain forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic (10) reacts after scoring a goal against the Manchester United during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Paris Saint-Germain forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic (10) reacts after scoring a goal against the Manchester United during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain squared off at Soldier Field in the International Champions Cup.

The International Champions Cup gives American soccer fans a chance to see some of the best clubs and players in the world, stars and teams they’d otherwise only see on their television on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Chicago, a notably soccer-rabid town in the Untied States, turned up for the Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain game at Soldier Field for the International Champions Cup. While the tournament serves primarily as a preseason warm up schedule for the European clubs, it is an actual competition. Coming into the game Manchester United was tied atop the table with 10 points, Paris Saint-Germain right behind them with eight points.

With a lot on the line in the game, both teams used star-studded line ups, appeasing the fans. During the introcudtion of the starting line ups, PSG’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Man United’s Wayne Rooney received the loudest roars from the crowd.

Early into the game both dazzled fans with attempts, arguably none better than Ibrahimovic’s shot that sailed over the cross bar early in the first period. While Rooney didn’t get a quality shot on goal early in the game, he dazzled with some cheeky and slick passes to teammates, creating opportunities in the attack.

Rooney seemed content to be a facilitator early on, in a line up that was loaded with midfielders and solely Rooney up front. He found an open Depay in front of the goal about 20 yards out, but Depay couldn’t make the mot of the opportunity.

In the 21st minute, Juan Mata got behind PSG’s back line to get a 1-on-1 opportunity with PSG goalkeeper Kevin Trapp, which he netted. Mata however was called offside and PSG were lucky to remain level.

Blaise Matuidi put PSG on the board first, but it was with a bit of luck getting a foot on the ball to beat David De Gea as he fought off a defender. De Gea, who was charging out, couldn’t stop the shot.

Rooney got in on the action with a big shot that sailed wide in the 31st minute, but it was his rival Ibrahimovic who found the back of the net first. Ibrahimovic led an attack, passed the ball out to Maxwell on the wing and got it back right in front of the goal for an easy tap in.

The second half of the game is where the competitive talent in the game dipped, both teams subbing off star players to prevent them from injuring themselves ahead of the season.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic came off for PSG in the 70th minute. Rooney stayed on however, trying to led a desperate come back. The play was primarily on PSG’s defensive half of the field for the last 45 minutes.

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