Topics: UEFA Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United
The German manager has played down talks of his side being favourites in the tie.

Head coach of Paris Saint-Germain Thomas Tuchel has refused to buy into talks that his side is favorites in its Last 16 clash with Manchester United next year. The two clubs were paired together at Monday's Round of 16 Draw and will be involved in any European competition for the first time ever in history.

The first leg is scheduled for February 12 while the return leg will take place on March 6, 2018 respectively. Manchester United qualified behind Juventus in Group H with 10 points while PSG emerged victors in the tough Group C which boasted the likes of Liverpool, Napoli and Red Star Belgrade. 

While the Parisians have been tipped for an easy win in the tie considering the struggles of the Red Devils in recent times, the club's head coach remains skeptical about their chances.

"Manchester United have a lot of experience in this competition, they have won it several times," Tuchel told his club's official website.

"Playing at Old Trafford is always very difficult. In any case, if I were a fan, I would watch this game!

"Paris favorites? I don't think so. We lack experience in the quarter-finals, the semi-finals and the final. We have to respect the clubs that have that experience, like Manchester United.

"We're capable of winning at Old Trafford. It's a great challenge, but I have confidence in my team. We have to have respect for them, but have confidence in ourselves. I'm convinced we can win against them."

Thomas Tuchel's fears are well justified considering the records of Paris Saint-Germain in the Last 16 stage in recent years. Last season the French outfit was eliminated from the competition by eventual winners Real Madrid in the Round of 16 via a 5-2 aggregate scoreline.

In the season before, a thrilling encounter against Barcelona saw the Ligue 1 defending champions fall to a shock 5-6 defeat after entering the second leg with a 4-0 advantage.