PBP: UCL - Manchester United FC vs FC Barcelona - Apr 10, 2019 [R]

I think he’s implying that we have to bunker and hope to get lucky on the counter. We better finish our chances or otherwise it could be a long night

 

Playing Smalling and Jones together in any set up doesnt seem like a good idea.

 

Why on earth would he play 3 at the back? One thing ole has tried to do is play to our strengths. I’d hope he wouldn’t change systems in attempt of containing our opponent.

 

Honestly, we need them to have an off game and for us to be very efficient on the counter. They're open to be attacked but if our midfield loses the battle in the middle we have no chance.

 

Smalling is gonna have to watch himself with VAR watching him ...

 

Win or lose, I would love nothing more for one of those diving cnuts like Suarez to get sent off or at least get a yellow from throwing themselves to the ground.

 

Just seen something interesting;

Pub quiz question, name the nine (yes nine!) people who have represented both Barca and United?

 

Sanchez is another

 

Clue - the last one isnt a player

 

Jose?

 

A Barca manager ....

 

Van Gaal of course... although Mourinho is correct since was Robson’s translator then stayed as van Gaal’s assistant.

 

Smalls was at the press conference, they asked him about Messi and he said he relishes the prospect and bring it on. Cant expect him to say much different really but is kinda funny in a way

We have 5 players a yellow away from missing the away leg:

Shaw, Young, Matic, Herrera, Valencia.

Last two are out injured anyway, with Matic a maybe according to Ole.

 

Shaw getting another booking is the biggest worry for me - if he can't play then Messi will have a ********ing field day

 

Unfortunately I've got a really busy work day so I'll be avoiding all social media/tv/texts until later tonight. Enjoy it guys. 1-0 to us, Pogba to come alive and score on the big occasion!

 

You have lost top red points. Where are your priorities man???

 

Obviously expect Ole and Co to come up with their own gameplan, but I really hope that they will have watched Barca's games vs Roma last season to find some inspiration in how slowing them down. Roma were a bit lucky, especially at the Camp Nou, but they still end up beating them nonetheless. Showed no fear at home and just went after them. That's what I firmly believe we must do today to give ourselves any real chance.

 

I’m in the same situation as father ted. It’s going to be radio silence for me until I get to finish watching the game.

 

Likewise

I just wanted to bust his balls a little

 

As Smalling said, bring it on! We're a longshot in this tie obviously, but we've got nothing to lose either.

 

Early rumblings that Valverde will be looking to have Barca in a 4-4-2, (with Busquets, Rakitic, Artur and probably Vidal) designed specifically to crowd our midfield and man mark Pogba, the same way PSG did to us at OT. Not having a fit Herrera under those circumstances really sucks, if we're being completely honest...

 

I get that neither Jones or Rojo are that optimal solutions, but playing AY in a 3 men at the back formation, is worse to me. If this is a thing that Ole will persist with, I can't wait for Darmian to be back. Much better him playing there than AY ever would be.
That aside, have no real issues with today's selections. Fingers crossed Rashford is fine and really good to go.