Ivan Rakitic Asks Barcelona to Never Underestimate Manchester United

DBasia.news –  Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic asked his team-mates to maintain focus and not be complacent when facing Manchester United in the Champions League. The first eight of the first leg will take place at Old Trafford on Thursday (11/4) early morning Western Indonesian Time.

Barcelona, which has Lionel Messi and is still competing for the title in three competitions, are seeded to qualify for the next phase rather than United, who are still looking for consistency playing under the tutelage of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

In addition, Barca is also a favorite candidate for Champions League’ winner this season with Liverpool and Manchester City. Nevertheless, reflecting on Man United’s dramatic comeback against PSG (Paris Saint-Germain) in the last 16 of the Champions League, all possibilities can still occur.

United lost 2-2 from the first leg at Old Trafford. Ahead of the second leg, United were hit by a player’s injury storm and PSG’s good record every time he played in Paris, but the two records did not stop United from reaching a dramatic 3-1 win and qualifying with an away goal 3-3.

That result has become a benchmark for Rakitic agar   Barcelona not underestimate United. The situation when Barca was eliminated dramatically by AS Roma in the Champions League last season, could happen if they were off guard against Man United.

“Yes, we have seen how great Manchester United is (against PSG). My teammates and I know that teams from England are also very strong,” said Rakitic, quoted from   Four Four Two.

“Manchester United are in a positive momentum and continue to achieve good results. Being able to score three goals in Paris is a remarkable achievement.”

“Of course you have to respect them. The organization and fighting spirit showed were very good, even though the United squad is also filled by several young players,” explained the Croatian passport player.

Man United have the advantage of more rest and recovery before playing against Barcelona. The reason, after fighting Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend, United did not play on the weekend.

The opposite condition experienced by Barcelona who will play a big match against the rival race for LaLiga title, Atletico Madrid, Sunday (7/4) at 1:45 early morning Western Indonesian Time.