UEFA Champions League 2018-19: 3 Reasons why Manchester United will struggle against Barcelona
Manchester United will take on Barcelona at Old Trafford for the Champions League quarter-final first leg clash. The second leg will take place at the Catalan giants' own fortress Camp Nou. The two contests promise to be perfect dream matches for the audience as both teams have built an impressive aura about themselves.
The Red Devils scripted one of the most memorable comebacks against their previous Champions League opponents, PSG. The team undoubtedly earned a spot in the quarterfinals against the Spanish champions after recovering from a two-goal deficit.
Their newly installed boss Ole Gun Solksjaer seems to be having quite a fortune in leading them. Since taking over from Jose Mourinho in December, the Red Devils' boss successfully led them to the last eight of the Champions League as well as returning into the top-four battle in the EPL.
Talking about Barcelona, the team looks to be in the greatest of form. After their recent win over Atletico Madrid, they firmly secure the no.1 spot in La Liga with 73 points, leading the Red and the Whites by 11 points.
Although the Red Devils look like a sturdy side, there is the possibility of them struggling against Barcelona and here are the three reasons why they might find it hard to survive against the Catalan giants:
#3 The Messi factor
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Messi alone is a big threat for Manchester United. The Red Devils would be aware of the fact that this one player should not get enough room to score freely. A ball anywhere near the goalpost with Messi will be doomed to be scored.
In Barcelona's previous encounter against Atletico, The Argentine turned the game away along with Suarez. With that match, Messi bagged his 43rd goal in just 40 games. The playmaker in Messi is also constantly developing this season.
Barcelona has not made it past the quarterfinals stage since 2015 but the Messi factor might turn the fortunes for them this time around. Messi's current form and the team's La Liga performances this season is a positive sign for the Catalan Giants.