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

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has his work cut out against Barcelona.

#3 Exploit Barcelona's Right Side

Luke Shaw could play a key role for United against Barca.

Manchester United should make sure that they are aware of Barcelona's weaknesses and drill their game accordingly. The Catalans look vulnerable down the right-hand side. The La Liga outfit plays with a flexible formation, switching between a 4-3-3 and 4-4-2. Lionel Messi likes to drift inside and leaves his right-wing spot vacant.

Villareal used the available space down their left-hand side(Barca's right) to good effect as the majority of their attacks originated from the mentioned space. Alfonso Pedraza, Villareal's left wing-back, made constant runs behind Sergi Roberto and troubled him throughout the game.

If United switches to a three-back system, Luke Shaw will play as a wing-back rather than a full-back. He has to link up well with Antony Martial and make timed runs behind Sergi Roberto and Ivan Rakitic. Ivan Rakitic covers the right side when Messi drifts inside and plays as a right winger.

United should use the pace of Rashford, Martial, and Shaw judiciously to stretch Barcelona and ask them questions defensively.

Edited by Jidonu Mauyon