Three things learnt from Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to Barcelona

Add as preferred source on Google

Jose Mourinho’s men pitted their wits against one of the best sides in the world on Wednesday night as they faced Ernesto Valverde’s Barcelona. United came into the game off of impressive victories against Manchester City and Real Madrid, on penalties at least, but looked lacklustre against the Catalans.

Neymar’s strike proved the difference as he jumped on Antonio Valencia’s error to twist and turn in the box before poking the ball home into the far corner.

Barcelona dominated the game but failed to add another goal, with David de Gea on Sergio Romero on top form. Here are three things that The Boot Room learnt from the game…

The Red Devils can’t afford to lose David de Gea

David de Gea was by far the man of the match for United. The Spaniard made six or seven top class saves and denied Barcelona time and time again in what could have been a humiliating scoreline on another day.

In Sergio Romero, the club have a suitable substitute, with the Argentine also performing well, but De Gea has the quality the side need. Up against the best in the world, De Gea looked comfortable and cannot be lost even if Real Madrid do come sniffing around the goalkeeper.

Daley Blind lacks world class quality

Blind has developed a reputation as a solid defender at Old Trafford, but he was brutally shown up on this occasion. Playing at left-back, far from his preferred option, the quality of Lionel Messi made him look like a schoolboy rather than the seasoned and experienced professional that he is.

United, and Blind, won’t come up against players of such quality too often, but his struggles may be a concern ahead of the return to the Champions League. There, Mourinho may want to find an alternative.

Romelu Lukaku has to step up

The Belgian continued to fluff his lines and failed to prove that he has the world class quality that a star man should. Looking rusty and off the pace, he struggled to keep up and when presented with opportunities, he often fired high, wide or meekly into the arms of Jesper Cillessen.

Marcus Rashford was the star of the show and looked far more likely to have a £75 million valuation. The youngster drifted wide and fired in a number of crosses into Lukaku and looked a real threat. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the England youngster become the star of the show in 2017/18.