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The whole world was waiting in anticipation as Julio Caesar carried out the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final draw on Friday. One after one, the Brazilian picked up the balls and set up mouthwatering ties - Ajax vs Juventus, Liverpool vs FC Porto, Tottenham Hotspurs vs Manchester City. And as always, the cream of the pie came at the very last, a scintillating match between two European Heavyweights. Manchester United had drawn Barcelona in the Quarter Finals.
The first leg is scheduled for 9th April, at Old Trafford, while the return leg is at the Camp Nou, on 16th April. This was the pick of the quarter-final ties, and as expected the whole world is already buzzing with excitement. The sides have met before in the Champions League, most notably in the 2008/09 and the 2010/11 finals. Manchester United ended up on the losing side on both occasions.
As such, many people are of the opinion that Manchester United have been dealt with a severe blow, a huge shot of hard luck. Many people are also ruling United out even before kick off and why not? Barcelona, and especially Lionel Messi, have been on fire this season.
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However, contrary to the above perceptions, Manchester United could actually benefit by drawing Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League. The draw is not as one-sided as many think and here are 5 reasons why the Quarter Final tie against the Catalans will suit Manchester United.
#5 Record against Barcelona in a two-legged tie
The last time these two teams met in a two-legged tie was in the 2007/08 season. After defeating Roma in the Quarter Finals, United had progressed into the Semi Final, where a fantastic Barcelona side awaited them. The Red Devils secured a hard-fought 0-0 away draw in the first leg. In the home leg, Paul Scholes sent Old Trafford into frenzied celebrations after produced a moment of magic. He picked up the ball around 30 yards away from the goal and unleashed a venomous volley that rocketed into the net. United won the game 1-0 and progressed into the finals, where they defeated Chelsea to lift the trophy.
Deja vu?
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#4 The Tactical battle
Manchester United meeting Barcelona is the pick of the four encounters in the Quarter Finals of the Champions League. On one side we have a youthful United side, who have broken free of their shackles and are playing wonderful attacking football. Their opponents are the best team in Spain and are playing fantastic football themselves.
As such, this is a match made in heaven for United's marketing team too, who will definitely be working overtime to make the best use the tie. However, even though it looks like a hard tie, playing Barcelona could have its advantages for United from a tactical point of view.
Manchester United have been playing attacking football that relies on fast counters which catch the opposition off guard. It has worked well this season against teams that like to keep possession. Recently, United have worked really well with their back against the wall and as such, Barcelona's possession-based football could actually help United play their natural game.
#3 United can assess themselves against the best
There is no doubt that the Spanish Giants are one of the best teams of the season, if not the best of the lot in Europe. Every team in the quarterfinals would have been hoping to avoid the Catalans and each of them would have heaved a sigh of relief at the end of the tie. Barcelona are the gold standard right now, and as such, Manchester United have an opportunity to assess themselves against the very best.
Ever since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, the Red Devils have hardly been at their historic best. It has taken three managerial changes and a whole lot of investment in the transfer market to finally regain their style of play. Manchester United have been on the rise of late, but there's still a lot of work to be done if they desire to arrive at the top. As such, United have a wonderful opportunity to take stock of their recent developments in the match against Barcelona.
#2 Solskjaer will have an opportunity to prove himself
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been a revelation ever since he joined as United's caretaker manager. The Norwegian has pulled United to within touching distance of the third position and has outfoxed some of the more experienced managers already this season. He has shown incredible man management, enabling many United superstars to regain their form in a short span. His tactical nous and understanding of the game have been quite impressive too. As things stand, Solskjaer is already the favourite to take over the permanent post at Old Trafford in the summer.
As such, the game against Barcelona comes at a great time for both the Norwegian and the United hierarchy. Solskjaer will have a chance to pit his wits against the best in the business, while the top management will have another opportunity to test the mettle of their new manager in Europe. A win would almost certainly secure Solskjaer the permanent job.
#1 The Advantage of being Underdogs
No one gave Manchester United any chance after the Champions League Round of 16 draws were announced. Paris Saint-Germain were a far superior team on current form and were correctly the favourites going into the tie. Man for man, United could not match the French Champions on paper, and after the first leg defeat at home, everyone had ruled United out.
Without Paul Pogba and five first-team players, United went to Paris, secured a 3-1 away victory and stunned the world on the night. It made everyone stand up and take notice of the Red Devils. United were no pushovers, they had eliminated one of the favourites by defeating them in their own backyard.
After the Quarter Final draw, one cannot help but feel another sense of deja vu. Once again, United are pitted against one of the tournament favourites and once again, the Premier League side is not the favourite. However, Manchester United seem to relish being the underdogs right now, it brings a sense of battle into their game that stuns even the best. As such, anyone ruling United out completely might be doing a big mistake.
