UEFA Champions League 2018/19: 3 tactics  Manchester United should follow to overcome Barcelona

#2 Nullifying Sergio Busquets

Sergio Busquets is one of the best in the business.

Sergio Busquets is a player who invariably decides games for Barcelona. The Blaugrana fail to dominate games when Busquets has an off-day. He is one of the best holding midfielders around.

Busquets sits deep in midfield and orchestrates play. Not only is his passing prominent, but he also reads the game well and breaks down opposition's attack by making vital interceptions and tackles.

The midfielder averages 70.7 passes per game with a 90% completion rate in La Liga. Defensively, he makes 2.6 tackles and intercepts 1.7 balls per game. The statistics highlight the importance of the midfield wizard in the current Barca side. The management team of Manchester United should set-up a team capable of neutralizing Busquets.

Ole and his management staff will have to plan meticulously about the midfield which will play against Barcelona. Fred is having an underwhelming season so far but could play an important part due to his energy. The Brazilian midfielder could unsettle Busquets with his energetic press and not let him get his rhythm.

Ander Herrera should be given the nod ahead of Nemanja Matic solely due to the demands of this game. Herrera has an uncomplicated playing approach. He makes simple passes, covers the right side well and is a box-to-box midfielder. The Spaniard's lucid method coupled with Fred could help United win an all-important midfield battle.

The midfield duo of Fred and Ander limits Sergio Busquets and also unleashes Paul Pogba who could link up with attacking players to provide fluency in United's game.