UCL 2018-19, Manchester United vs Barcelona: 5 key factors that could decide the quarterfinal clash at Old Trafford

Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi

#2 Familiar territories for Suarez and Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez return to familiar territories against Manchester United
Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez return to familiar territories against Manchester United

Both Suarez and Coutinho are world-class players, the best you could find in their positions, but Manchester United fans would tell you otherwise. Being former Liverpool players, it will be surprising if the United fans don't jeer them both at Old Trafford. But they are used to it, aren't they?

Well, Philippe Coutinho has got only one goal against Manchester United in seven games against them. He has lost only two. Luis Suarez, on the other hand, has got two goals and two assists against United in seven games but he has lost four games against them. Manchester United would not feel as threatened by the stats but they better be.

Luis Suarez is in red-hot form and he has got 20 goals in LaLiga with a ripper of a shot last night against Oblak. Philippe Coutinho has been out of touch for almost all season. It is such a miracle that he performed well yesterday against Atleti when United is just around the corner. After all, he has got Liverpool in his blood.

Both players would love the PL way of the game that United will present as both of them were absolutely ruthless in the Premier League. Maybe a Philippe Coutinho curler is exactly what is needed to beat an in-form de Gea. But doesn't mean that El Pistolero doesn't have bullets.

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