BARCA ICON RUNS THE RULE OVER CATALAN GIANTS AND THE RED DEVILS
BARCELONA legend Xavi won the Champions League four times during a glittering career.
Here he gives his verdict on Manchester United and Barcelona ahead of tonight’s clash at Old Trafford. MANCHESTER UNITED
David De Gea is one of the best – it is no surprise that United are so keen to keep him. He is such a quality player – and he often rises to these big occasions. He has got the Reds results they have had no right to get. He can make saves so few goalkeepers in the world are capable of – and United are going to need him to be at his very best.
BARCELONA
I saw Marc-Andre ter Stegen on his first day at the club and I remember that I was impressed with his qualities immediately. Since then he has grown into one of the top goalkeepers in the world. He has a lot of experience in playing in the big games, is so professional, and he knows how to cope with the atmosphere. MANCHESTER UNITED
This is not one of the great Manchester United defences – they don’t have that natural leader in the middle of defence that they had in so many of their classic teams of the past. They are going to need to produce one of the great defensive performances of their season if they want any hope of getting a result against Barcelona.
BARCELONA
This season Barcelona have let in more goals than normal – and that will give United’s attackers some hope I am sure. In games like this you need a central figure like Gerard Pique to ensure that the rest of the team can stay calm and composed. He has won everything and can be that leader. MANCHESTER UNITED
So much depends on Paul Pogba. Since the new coach has taken over he looks a new player – the sort the club paid all that money for. If the Reds are going to be competitive he needs to show his physical dominance, and that will give the players around him confidence as well. SCORE 8 BARCELONA
There is so much experience and talent in Barca’s midfield that I am sure they will look to control the centre of the pitch in both games. Guys like Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic know what it takes to take charge of the midfield in big European games – and I expect them to dominate. MANCHESTER UNITED
This is an area that United can really cause Barcelona problems. Romelu Lukaku is a big physical threat and then they have players like Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford who have a lot of speed, a lot of quality, and both can score goals. BARCELONA
Lionel Messi just keeps getting better and better – and this season he is looking even more dangerous. When he is like this he is impossible to keep quiet. Luis Suarez has a lot of experience of playing against United as well – and scoring in this tie would mean an awful lot to him.
SCORE 10