SHAQ TIPS BASEL: UNITED DEFENCE IS VULNERABLE
MANCHESTER UNITED’S defence has been rated “vulnerable” ahead of their return to the Champions League tonight against Basel.
Stoke’s Xherdan Shaqiri, who spent four years at the Swiss club, played in
Saturday’s 2-2 draw when United conceded their first league goals of the season and dropped their first points.
Asked whether the Reds had a weakness, Shaqiri – who will be at Old Trafford to watch his former club take on Jose Mourinho’s men – said: “If they do it’s with their defence.
“At the back, Manchester are vulnerable. That’s what our goals have shown. If you play quickly and bravely, their defenders will have problems.”
United will have to play Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling (below) as Phil Jones and Eric Bailly – who started all four of the league games this season – are suspended.
Shaqiri added: “It doesn’t matter if you lose. Manchester United have so much class in their attack.”
Shaqiri claimed United’s Paul Pogba hogs the ball in midfield.
He said: “It’s hard to separate him from the ball. But he sometimes tends to keep the ball too long. Also, physically, he is very strong.”
Shaqiri’s comments come as Mourinho admitted United are no longer part of the European elite.
“In the Champions League there are four or five teams with an incredible level of quality, of experience and know-how – that’s what makes the difference,” said Mourinho.
“But we have to try to qualify, to go to the last 16 and enjoy that special knockout phase with the best teams in Europe.”