Champions League, Manchester United 0-1 Barcelona: 5 errors from United that cost them the game

Manchester United v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final: First Leg
Manchester United v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final: First Leg

#3 Negligible wing play

Manchester United v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final: First Leg
Manchester United v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final: First Leg

Solskjaer had the backbone ready to unsettle the Barcelona side. He had even set his team out accordingly. With two wingbacks, both of whom are known to be good crossers of the ball, and a strong, physical center forward in the middle, United had the ingredients to trouble Barcelona's center back pairing of Pique and Lenglet. Unfortunately, on the pitch, the scene was entirely different.

Ashley Young was perhaps the worst performing player on the pitch. His passing and crosses were dismal. There were quite a few occasions when United broke away with speed and power, only for a hapless final ball from the right wing-back. On the other hand, Dalot rarely had any effect on the left side. He hardly sent in any crosses and failed to influence the game.

Lukaku can be held guilty of going missing on the night, but in truth, the Belgian did not have any service or crosses to feed on from the wide players.

Quick Links