The incredible top speeds Rashford and Mbappe reach as strikers go head-to-head in Man Utd vs PSG clash
Lightning quick strikers will be key for both teams hoping to spring counter attacks in their Champions League contest... but they are still no match for speed king Usain Bolt
MARCUS RASHFORD is a step behind PSG ace of pace Kylian Mbappe — but the lightning quick pair would be left in the dust by track legend Usain Bolt, stats reveal.
Those hoping to witness scorch marks on the Old Trafford pitch won't want to blink, or they will miss these two speed demons go head to head tonight as United welcome Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Rashford's top speed is a swift 23.1mph, but Mbappe has the edge, with the World Cup winner clocking 25.6mph.
But that is eclipsed by Bolt's world record, set in the 100 metres in 2009, when he ran 9.58sec in Berlin — with an incredible top speed of 27.8mph.
Bolt, who is a huge United fan, will be hoping it is Rashford and pals that get out of the blocks fastest tonight and take a lead to Parc-des-Princes on March 6.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has managed to get the best out of the Manchester United striker and six goals in his last seven league games.
It remains a huge improvement on the three in 11 he scored under Jose Mourinho.
Rashford's winner at Tottenham last month encapsulates the danger he can cause on the break.
Latching onto a through ball by Paul Pogba, he sprinted away from Jan Vertonghen before firing a stunning strike past Hugo Lloris.
But while Solskjaer has his own speed merchant ready to unleash out of the traps, Paris Saint-Germain will look towards teenage superstar Kylian Mbappe to down Manchester United.
With Neymar and Edinson Cavani out injured for the first-leg at Old Trafford this evening, the Frenchman will be integral if the Ligue 1 champions are to progress.
But which striker is set to cause more havoc in their opponent's defence?
, research suggested that Rashford can reach a top speed of 23.1mph compared to Mbappe who was clocked at 25.6mph in a game against Angers in 2017.
In comparison, the world's fastest man Usain Bolt managed to reach a top speed of 27.8mph.
The duo have more similarities than just their speed.
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Both players are known their abilities to take on defenders and cut inside to create opportunities.
Mbappe is known to be more direct and is averaging more shots per game, more dribbles and more key passes.
Germany football expert and SunSport columnist Lothar Matthaus exclusively compared the pair's Champions League records.
Mbappe has played 23 games to Rashford's 14 and has, unsurprisingly, scored more goals with 13 compared to the United ace's four.
But the Red Devils can take hope knowing that he has a higher big chance conversion rate.