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Manchester United and FC Barcelona are set to face off in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League, in what promises to be a mouth-watering encounter. Ernesto Valverde's all-conquering Barcelona have been in imperious form and are runaway leaders of the Spanish LaLiga. They are on course for a second consecutive domestic double, having already reached the final of the Copa Del Rey (Spanish Cup), where they are set to face off against Valencia. Lionel Messi has been his usual devastating self, racking up 36 goals and 15 assists in all competitions and currently leads the European Golden Boot standings.
Manchester United have been a different animal since the arrival of caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with his style of hard pressing and rapid counter-attacks, bringing back the joy and verve to Old Trafford after the dismal Jose Mourinho era. Solskjaer turned back the years, reminding us of the Manchester United of legend, overcoming Paris Saint Germain in a scintillating UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie.
United enthralled their fans by overturning a 2-0 first leg deficit to win 3-3 on aggregate (on away goals). Under the Norweign, United have won 14 out of 18 games played and are within shouting distance of a Champions League Qualification spot in the EPL standings. The players have responded positively to the new manager, with Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera, Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku hitting peak form.
Much debate is ongoing about the match, as to which side is superior, with both sets of fans keen to one-up each other. so let us see what the stats say. We have statistically compared and analysed the Manchester United and Barcelona Starting XI players, taking into account their league and UCL performances. Starting XI players were arrived at by looking at no. of starts statistic.
All stats are retrieved from Whoscored.com as of 15-03-2018.
Goalkeeper: David De Gea vs Marc Andre ter Stegen
David de Gea has been the mainstay of Manchester United and their talisman for a number of years. He won the Sir Matt Busby Award for Manchester United Player of the Year in 2017-18, making him the first player to win the award 4 times! He was also the recipient of the Premier League Golden Glove last season. DDG recently suffered a howler at the hands of Arsenal's Granit Xhaka when a dipping, curling shot evaded him into the net. But otherwise, Spain's No.1 has been in superb form for United, making an impressive 117 saves and keeping 10 clean sheets (EPL and UCL combined)
Marc Andre ter Stegen has established himself as a world-class goalkeeper in recent years and has even started to mount a serious challenge to Manuel Neuer as Germany's No.1. Barcelona has suffered from a shaky defence this season with Samuel Umtiti out injured for a lot of games, and it has been ter Stegen, or MATS as he is called, that has saved the day on more than one occasion.
Verdict: De Gea ranks above ter Stegen overall, with more saves, claims and punches, whereas MATS has a better clean sheet and goals conceded record. Ter Stegen is fantastic at reaction saves but struggles to dominate the box, especially during set pieces, a fact that can be leveraged by United in the quarter-final.
Centre Back 1: Chris Smalling vs Gerard Pique
Chris Smalling has had an inconsistent, injury-prone career at Manchester United, but like Pogba and Lukaku, has responded positively to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's arrival to Old Trafford. He has been a defensive mainstay since, putting in stellar performances against Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool recently. He has also benefitted from the fact that Solskjaer often resorts to 3 man centre back system against big teams.
World Cup winner Gerard Pique, on the other hand, is having a beast of a form since the last few games. The lack of a regular defensive partner may be the problem, with Valverde trying out Clement Lenglet and Thomas Vermaelen in that position given the injury layoff of Samuel Umtiti. Lenglet has put in some solid displays off late and it should be the Pique-Lenglet combination that takes the field against United.
Verdict: For the sake of statistics, Smalling has an edge with better tackles, clearances and blocks per game and fewer occasions where he has been dribbled past. He is even better if Soskjaer decided to play a 3 man central defence against Barcelona. Pique, on the other hand, is a brilliant distributor who furthermore offers an offensive threat, and has already scored 7 goals this season.
He is more dominant in the air and is less prone to giving away fouls and the lower count in terms of clearances and blocks can be attributed to Barcelona dominating the possession in most of their games.
Centre Back 2: Victor Lindelof vs Clement Lenglet
Victor Lindelof has been a defensive rock off late for Solskjaer's United, being the mainstay surrounded by injury-prone central defensive partners like Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones. The Swede's durability has helped United maintain some sense of consistency in their defence. He was perhaps the most improved player under Jose Mourinho's otherwise tumultuous tenure and his improvement has continued under Ole.
Clement Lenglet is likely to partner Gerard Pique in the heart of Barcelona's defence. This is the Frenchman''s debut season at Barcelona, having moved from Sevilla for €35 million. Originally playing second fiddle to World Cup winner Samuel Umtiti, Lenglet has taken full advantage of Umtiti's injury layoffs to establish himself as a dependable player for Ernesto Valverde.
His recent exploits against Real Madrid in the El Classico and their UCL Round of 16 tie against Lyon has won many fans amongst the Blaugrana faithful. Lenglet has fond memories playing against United, having knocked them out of the UCL Round of 16 with Sevilla last season.
Verdict: Two young up and coming defenders, both have all the qualities to become future superstars. The 24-year-old Lindelof has the edge in statistical terms, dominating with more aerials won, interceptions and clearances per game and with lesses fouls and occasions where he was dribbled past per game. Lindelof is a Swedish international whereas Lenglet has yet to receive a France call-up given the World Champion's abundance of riches in each position.
Left Back: Luke Shaw vs Jordi Alba
Luke Shaw has been in scintillating form this season and has cemented himself as the first choice for United and England with his displays. After his early promise as a teenager at Southampton, Shaw struggled initially at United, compounded with frequent injuries. He was deemed as lacking in character and desire by Jose Mourinho but has rejuvenated himself under Mourinho, emerging as a strong defender along with his pace and guile going forward.
Jordi Alba is as sensational as ever going forward, with his telepathic link-ups with Lionel Messi a joy to watch. But the Spanish World Cup winner's defensive frailties have become pronounced as the 29-year-old has lost one or two yards of pace. After having been undisputed in the left side of the Spanish National team's defence, he now faces a strong threat for Real Madrid's Sergio Reguilón.
Verdict: Luke Shaw emerges ahead in stats especially in defensive duties, with better numbers in terms of aerials won, tackles, clearances blocks and occasions where he was dribbled past per game. As expected, Jordi Alba is the bigger threat going forward, contributing a stunning 10 assists this season. He also leads Shaw in terms of key passes, long balls and through balls per game.
Right Back: Ashley Young vs Sergi Roberto
Manchester United's captain Ashley Young is equally adept at right and left back, but is most frequently deployed as a right back. Man United's Mr Dependable has aged like fine wine and at 33, has become a more positionally aware and smarter defender. His fine exploits under Mourinho last season had earned him a call-up to Gareth Southgate's 2018 FIFA World Cup England squad and he was continued on the same vein this season with some impressive defensive displays and some crucial goals as well.
Barcelona's Remontanda hero (the now legendary 2017 UCL tie where Barcelona overcame a 4-0 aggregate to win 6-1 at home against PSG) Sergi Roberto is a favourite among the Barcelona faithful having graduated from the famed Barcelona academy, La Masia.
His lung-busting runs, down the right flank are a regular fixture of most Barcelona attacks and he has chipped in with 6 assists in La Liga this season. The 27-year-old has held out competition from exciting Portuguese youngster Nelson Semedo for the coveted Barcelona right back spot which was previously occupied by legendary superstars like Gianluca Zambrotta and Dani Alves.
Verdict: Sergi Roberto emerges out as a clear winner given the versatility he brings to Barcelona. Young dominates in the attacking third, having delivered more key passes, crosses and long balls per game. Roberto, however, has had better end product with 6 assists compared to Young's 3-owing to Barcelona's world-class link-up play. His attacking stats like key passes, crosses and long balls have been tempered owing to Messi playing a deep role in the same flank in most matches.
Defensive Midfielder 1: Nemanja Matic vs Sergio Busquets
Veteran Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic was brought to United by Jose Mourinho after a successful spell at Chelsea and the 30-year-old quickly established himself as the foundation of Mourinho's side. He was a key part of the 2017 Europa League-winning squad and has continued as a mainstay now in Soksjaer's short tenure as United custodian. Often described as too slow on the ball, the lanky Serbian compensates with excellent shielding of the ball and shrewd passing. He has an uncanny ability to sniff out opposition passes and ranks high in terms of interceptions per game.
World Cup winner Sergio Busquets is perhaps the second name on Ernesto Valverde's team sheet and has been an undisputed starter both for Barcelona and Spain for over a decade now. A key side of the all-conquering Spanish side that won three championships in a row-the 2008 and 2012 Euros and the 2010 World Cup, Sergio is a second generation Blaugrana, his father Carles Busquets having been a Barcelona goalkeeper in the 1990s.
Verdict The two veterans are neck and neck in term of statistics with Busquets having an edge overall. Matic has recently been prone to lapses in concentration and his slow laid back style is not complementing the fast counters instrumental to Solskjaer's style of play. Busquets as expected, dominates in the attack, with better scores in pass success %, assists, key passes and through balls.
Defensive Midfielder 2: Ander Herrera vs Arthur
Ander Herrera is perhaps the player who will be most indebted to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the United squad. Left to rot on the bench by Mourinho, the Spaniard was recalled to the starting lineup by Ole and the 29-year-old has repaid the faith in many folds, teaming up with Matic to dominate the United midfield and taking defensive responsibility away from Paul Pogba who has gone on to be much more influential in the defensive third. It is no coincidence that United's recent loss to Arsenal happened with Herrera out with a hamstring injury.
Xavi-esque midfielder Arthur Melo arrived at Barcelona in May 2018 from Brazilian side Gremio for an initial fee of €31 million plus €9 million in added variables. The 22-year-old has shown wisdom and technical brilliance beyond his tender years to nail down a starting spot.
A low centre of gravity enables the Brazilian to dazzle with some splendid turns and his accurate long balls are a joy to watch. The youngster has also established himself as a starter to the star-studded Brazilian National side
Verdict: Arthur has better numbers in pass success % and dribbles per game as well as long balls. He trumps Herrara in his vision, passing and control of the ball.
Attacking Midfield: Paul Pogba vs Ivan Rakitic
Paul Pogba is having his best season at United under Solskjaer. Under Mourinho, the mercurial French World Cup winner was tied down with defensive responsibilities and United fans never got to see his true potential.
Ole Gunnar Soslkjaer was not to make the same mistake and he positioned Pogba well ahead of two defensive midfielders in Matic and Herrera. The move reaped rich dividends as the former Juventus man banged in 14 goals and 10 assists, showing the kind of form that justifies his world record transfer fee.
Ivan Rakitic has become a world class player in recent years, leading Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final along with Real Madrid's Luka Modric. He was supremely influential in the recent double-victories over Real Madrid, scoring a sublime chip in the 1-0 win over Los Blancos in the La Liga. Not only does he double up as a sheet anchor along with Busquets, but the 31-year-old is also adept at chipping in with stunning long-range goals.
Verdict: This is not a perfect like for like comparison as Rakitic plays in a much more defensive box to box role under Valverde's system at Barcelona whereas Pogba has a freer attacking midfield role at Solkjaer's United. But comparing statistically on the attributes of an attacking midfielder, Pogba is clearly superior. The 26-year-old has more goals and assists and leads in stats like key passes, shots, dribbles, long balls and through balls per game.
Winger 1: Jesse Lingard vs Lionel Messi
Jesse Lingard has emerged as one of the key cogs in the young, energetic Manchester United avatar under Solskjaer. He is a crucial element of the high press in the opposition half, harrying and hounding opposition defenders with his searing pace and never say die attitude. The United academy product has made it a habit of scoring sensational long ranger be it for United or England and at crucial times too. The Lingard-Rashford-Lukaku combination has produced the bulk of United's goals this season.
What can be said about Lionel Messi that hasn't been already said? The best player of this generation, the 5 time Ballon Dór winner and 4-time Champions League winner has won every trophy and individual award imaginable sans the elusive FIFA World Cup trophy. Narrowly missing out in the 2014 World Cup, where he was selected the Best Player, the legendary Argentine is having yet another sensational season, leading all the goalscoring charts with an incredible 36 goals and 15 assists in all competitions.
Verdict: Shocker. Messi blows Lingard (and anybody else to be honest) out of the water. As expected, the statistical comparison is extremely one-sided.
Winger 2: Marcus Rashford vs Ousmane Dembele
England's most promising future talent, Marcus Rashford was handed the No.10 jersey by Mourinho and the youngster has responded with zeal and vigour this season. Yet another product of the United Academy, he has improved even further under the tutelage of one of United's greatest ever strikers-Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Searing pace, uncanny dribbing and mastery of set pieces-Rashford is a triple threat going forward. He has maturity and calmness beyond his years, as illustrated by his ice-cold winning penalty against PSG in the UCL Round of 16, in what was his first ever competitive penalty for Manchester United!
Ousmane Dembele is perhaps the most talented but also the most frustrating young player in the world today, with the exception of Kylian Mbappe. Unstoppable on his best days but completely missing on his off days, the 21-year-old Frenchman is a nightmare for defences with his quick turns of pace and mazy dribbles. But his inconsistency has seen him unable to cement a starting spot for both Barcelona and France.
Dembele has chipped in with 14 goals and 5 assists this season already, but the end product can be so much better if brings in more maturity and calmness on the ball and becomes more unselfish on the ball. Hopefully, that comes with age. Dembele has been ruled out for a month due to a hamstring injury and is likely to miss the first leg against United but the Barcelona medical team is known to work wonders.
Verdict: The two 21-year-olds both have a great future ahead of them, but it is Dembele that leads in statistical terms. Dembele has better numbers in terms of goals scored as well as dribbles, crosses and crosses per game. Rashford scores above him in terms of assists, shots per game and pass success %
Striker: Romelu Lukaku vs Luis Suarez
Romelu Lukaku was brought in by Jose Mourinho to add a more physical, aerially superior threat to United's attack. Coming off a strong performance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he scored 4 goals, the big Belgian had a lull at the beginning of the season, losing his starting spot to Rashford and then Alexis Sanchez. But he came roaring back under Solkjaer, scoring almost at will, most notable of which was the monstrous 2 goal display against PSG in the UCL Round of the 16-second leg, which ensured United progresses on away goals as the tie finished 3-3. The 6 3' Belgian is a handful for any defence but don't let the burliness fool you, he has a surprising turn of pace and is equally adept at shooting with both feet with minimal backlift. His recent form has also kept out mercurial French striker Anthony Martial confined to the bench
Luis Suarez or El Pistolero as he is known as one of the pre-eminent strikers of his generation. After tearing it up in the EPL with Liverpool, the Uruguayan has come to dominate the La Liga as well, forming a deadly combination with Lionel Messi. He was instrumental in the Round of 16 UCL tie against Lyon, contributing a brilliant assist as Barcelona progressed 5-1 on aggregate. Although he has lost a yard or two in terms of pace, he makes up for it with sensational, unexpected turns, superior ball control and a telepathic understanding with Messi.
Verdict: Lukaku is good but Suarez is world-class. The Uruguayan who inspired Uruguay to the 2011 Copa America Title, leads in most of the stats, with an incredible 20 goals and 8 assists this season.
Final Verdict
It is a testament to the transformation that Solskjaer has instilled at Manchester United that 5 out of their 11 starting XI players score over their Barcelona counterparts statistically. Although they have suffered setbacks recently against Arsenal in the EPL and a shock FA Cup exit against Wolves yesterday, Solskjaer has brought confidence and belief back to Old Trafford
The Barcelona front 3 is however much superior, as expected. The otherworldly powers of a certain Lionel Andres Messi can also turn the tide in any game.
At the end of the day, a statistical comparison has many limitations. The position-to-position comparison might become irrelevant if United decide to go with a 3-5-2 defensive lineup. United and Barcelona's styles of play are drastically different, with the Red Devils inclined to play with a high press and fast counters whereas the Blaugrana favour a possession-based short passing game.
Barcelona are the clear favourites going into this tie, but United can give them a strong run for their money especially with the kind of spirit they showed against PSG. Sokskjaer will most probably go into the game with a 3 man central defence with Eric Bailly coming in to stop the famed Barcelona attack. The Barcelona squad has better-experienced players who have handled crunch, pressure situations both in the Champions League and at International level regularly and this will give them a clear advantage as well.
