Man Utd face mission impossible against Kylian Mbappe – Champions League’s highest under-21 goalscorer
RED DEVILS will have to stop the most dynamic young star in world football if they are to pull off a comeback in the second leg
HE BLEW them away at Old Trafford.
Now Manchester United know whirlwind Kylian Mbappe is coming their way again at the Parc des Princes.
If United are to pull off one of the all-time great Champions League comebacks - hoping Paris Saint-Germain collapse like they did in Barcelona two years ago - they will first have to stop the most dynamic young star in world football.
Mbappe’s stunning impersonation of a red-hot knife running through butter at Old Trafford three weeks ago brought the French ace his 14th Champions League goal in 24 appearances in the competition.
The France star's tally makes him the leading scorer under the age of 21 since the tournament was rebranded in 1992.
Which is better than Champions League greats such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul at the same age.
There is more to Mbappe’s game, of course.
Four official assists this season, the most by any player so far.
Not to mention his Fifa World Cup Best Young Player award last year, following in the footsteps of the likes of greats such as Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, Enzo Scifo, Robert Prosinecki and Michael Owen.
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Of course, Mbappe knows he has a long way to go to smash the Champions League record.
Ronaldo has so far scored 121 goals in his 159 games, Messi 106 in 130.
Mbappe, though, has all the ammunition to blow those numbers out of the water, starting tonight against United's makeshift defence.
SunSport looks at the French ace and the other goalden boys he has already surpassed.
Kylian Mbappe (Monaco, PSG)
Mbappe was the teenage cutting edge of the Monaco side that shocked Europe as it made the semi-finals in 2017.
And he has taken his game on to another level for club and country since his move to the French champions.
Electric pace, poise and finishing class has made him the most-wanted player on the planet.
Games under age of 21: 24 Goals: 14
Karim Benzema (Lyon)
One of the many “bad boys” of French football and looking at the tail-end of his career.
But Benzema was a teen prodigy for his hometown club after telling team-mates including Michael Essien, Sylvain Wiltord and Florent Malouda: “Do not laugh; I am here to take your place.”
Has scored a further 48 in the competition since his £30m move to Madrid in 2009, making him only the fourth player to reach 60 Champions League strikes.
Games under age of 21: 19 Goals: 12
Raul (Real Madrid)
An icon in Madrid, Raul started as he meant to go on by winning the Champions League for the first time a month before his 21st birthday.
More of a predator than a an outright speed machine but quick enough in mind and body to strike with the ease and grace of a matador, his left foot his most deadly weapon.
Ended up with 71 Champions League goals in 142 games and won it three times.
Games under age of 21: 19 Goals: 8
Javier Saviola (Barcelona)
Already 19 when he arrived in Barcelona from River Plate in a £15m deal but the Argentine made an instant impact and suggested he might become one of the all-time greats.
More of a creative second striker than a leader of the line, his career saw him hawking his talents around Europe, clubs including Benfica, Monaco, Sevilla and Real Madrid.
His Champions League final tally was 18 in 56 games.
Games under age of 21: 17 Goals: 8
Obafemi Martins (Inter Milan)
Newcastle fans may struggle to believe the Nigerian was seen as the answer to the post Alan Shearer prayers when he joined from Inter Milan in 2006.
But his initial impact at the San Siro, including a goal at Highbury as Arsenal were sploshed 3-0, suggested Martins was the real deal.
Subsequent moves to Wolfsburg, Rubin Kazan, Levante, Birmingham - where he scored a League Cup final winner - and ending in China argues otherwise.
Games under age of 21: 14 Goals: 8
Patrick Kluivert (Ajax)
The Champions League Final match-winner in 1995, coming off the bench to score against all-conquering Milan when still only 18, and part of a remarkable young team put together by Louis Van Gaal.
Burning pace and a nose for goal brought big money moves to Milan and Barcelona, 40 goals in 79 appearances for Holland and 29 in 71 Champions League games.
Games under age of 21: 19 Goals: 9
Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
It is hard to think of anything new to say about the Nou Camp magician, whose status as one of the game’s greatest-ever players is unquestioned.
Even from the start of his career in Barcelona it was clear Messi was a special talent, the ball stuck to his foot as he glided effortlessly towards goal.
Only Ronaldo has scored more in the tournament than the Argentine, who has won it four times.
Games under age of 21: 21 Goals: 8