Manchester United will face Barcelona at Old Trafford, in Manchester, in the Champions League Quarter-Finals first leg. Manchester United against Barcelona is always the match with big interest, especially during this season. Review our thoughts on this match here below.
Manchester United
After O. G. Solskjaer joined the club, they had a great and confident unbeaten streak. However, the last form of Manchester United is unimpressive, since they lost 3 out of 4 last games. Twice they lost to Wolves and were beaten at Emirates Stadium. In general, this season is very difficult for Manchester, as they had to change the coach, many players had injuries, now they are fighting in the Premier League for a place in Europe for next season and in the Champions League, Barcelona is waiting for them. Previously, the Red Devils kicked out Paris SG from the CL by making comeback in Paris with 3:1 unpredicted win.
4 players in the squad have scored more than 10 goals this season. That was because some of them missed matches due to injuries. Moreover, we can say that Pogba started to play only after Mourinho left the club. Youngster Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are showing they are worth to be called very perspective players. Most interesting, that Barcelona is very interesting in joining young Englishman Rashford this summer.
Unfortunately, E. Baily, M. Darmian, A. Sanchez and A. Valencia will miss this important match due to injuries. United is very strong this season at shooting from direct free kicks, creating chances through individual skills and coming back from losing positions. However, they are facing troubles at stopping opponents from creating chances, avoiding offside and defending against attacks down the wings.
Barcelona
Barcelona is looking like they want to dominate everywhere this season. They have a perfect team with one of the bests best players in the world. Catalonians are continuing their path in all tournaments and aiming trophies in each final. Leo Messi proves this season to the whole world that he was written off too early. He is playing at the highest level and has already scored 41 goals and made 15 assists in LaLiga and Champion League combined. Now the Catalans are playing the most confident football in Europe. After a win against Atletico Madrid, they gained 3 points and strengthen their 1st place. Now they have a confident difference against nearest chasers by 11 points. So Barca can fully concentrate to Champions League and give a rest for main players during LaLiga matches.
Since Messi is only 31 years old, he still has time to break absolutely all records in Europe and Spain. Of course, alongside him, there are other successful and talented players in the team who help the club achieve great results. This season should be the most successful in the last few years for Barca. Ernesto Valverde found the right way to show all the potential of the team and play the best football.
Unfortunately, O. Dembele and Rafinha will miss the match for sure. Moreover, T. Vermaelen is still under question if he will be able to play this game. Catalans are really strong this season at shooting from direct free kicks, finishing scoring chances, creating long shot opportunities and coming back from losing positions. However, they also have weaknesses in defending counter attacks and stopping opponents from creating chances.
H2H
Last official matches between these teams were in far year 2011 in Champions League Final. Since that match, Barcelona saved few players until now, however, Manchester fully changed the squad. Messi, Busquets, and Pique should remember this great win and repeat this result.
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