Man Utd 1-3 PSG: Fred sent off as Neymar double leaves United knockout hopes in balance

Manchester United’s hopes of reaching the Champions League knockout stages remain in the balance heading into the final round of group stage fixtures after they were beaten 3-1 by PSG at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Brazilian superstar Neymar scored twice, while United had midfielder Fred sent off for a harsh second yellow card, though he had been extremely fortunate to escape a straight red for a headbutt earlier in the match.

A point would have seen Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men book their place in the last-16, but the Ligue 1 side’s win means that both teams and RB Leipzig head into next week’s matchday six level on nine points, though United’s 5-0 win over the Bundesliga outfit earlier in the group stage means a draw in Germany will be enough to see them through.

Neymar fired PSG into a sixth-minute lead after a Kylian Mbappe shot was deflected and fell kindly to the former Barcelona forward who drilled the ball into the bottom corner.

United drew level in the 32nd minute through a Marcus Rashford shot which deflected off the outstretched leg of Danilo to beat PSG keeper Keylor Navas.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side created several good chances after the break with Edinson Cavani hitting the bar but PSG grabbed the win when Marquinhos poked home in the 69th minute after a drive into the box had been diverted to him by Abdou Diallo.

United's difficulties intensified when, a minute later, midfielder Fred was sent off for a second yellow card and Neymar added the third in stoppage time after a counter-attack.

Additional reporting by Reuters.