Luis Enrique has highlighted the “quality” and “mentality” of his academy prospects as the Paris Saint-Germain coach prepares for a second friendly without many of his senior players when the Champions League holders meet Manchester United in Gothenburg.
PSG lost 3-0 at Mallorca on Wednesday and Luis Enrique called the first half against the Spanish side “interesting”.
“It’s difficult to make a fair assessment,” added the Spaniard. “It’s not the result we would have liked, but that’s football.
“When you play against Paris Saint-Germain, it’s a source of motivation for every team. That’s only natural.
“It’s our first week of pre-season… it’s to be expected. We’re waiting for our international players to return before we can really see what our team looks like.”
Bryan Mbeumo scored both of United’s goals as Michael Carrick’s side recovered from conceding early to beat 2-1 Atletico de Madrid at Stockholm’s Strawberry Arena on Saturday.
Having guided his side back to the Champions League for the first time since 2023/24, Carrick believes his squad’s “spirit and camaraderie” are among the “good signs” he has seen during pre-season.
“It is such a great group to work with in terms of the spirit to work with each other, [to let] us help them and guide them,” Carrick told MUTV.
“We had six-and-a-half weeks away from the players, so it’s a long time compared to what I am used to.
“We are enjoying work and I am looking forward to the season. It’s great to see the boys getting on so naturally and enjoying each other’s company.”
Man United v PSG team news
Midfielder Youri Tielemans could make his first appearance for United since arriving for £35 million from Aston Villa in July.
Bruno Fernandes could return as captain following a hamstring injury but Senne Lammens and Matheus Cunha are ill.
France playmaker Maghnes Akliouche will not feature yet for PSG, having joined for £42.8m from Monaco on Thursday.
PSG remain without many of their first-choice players who took part in the World Cup 2026 but Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha and Joao Neves could travel.
Youngsters Adam Ayari, Paul Bourdin, Younes Idder and Axel Koukaba have been involved in training, L’Equipe reported.
