Tag: Chris Smalling

If Ole Guynnar Solskjaer is to give United the best possible chance of making it into the semi-finals, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard will have to start in the return leg at the Nou Camp.

The two have had fitness issues since the first game against PSG and that is perhaps why they were restricted to cameo roles against the Blaugrana.

With Martial and Lingard on the bench until 68th and 74th minute respective introductions, Solskjaer’s side sorely lacked penetration in the first leg at Old Trafford.

There was a half-chance for substitute Martial in the second half but on the whole United weren’t nearly as impressive in attack as they were at the back.

That will mean the Norwegian making two big decisions regarding senior players in order to maintain the balance in the team.

United started with a back three on Wednesday night but if Rashford, Martial and Lingard were all to start in Catalonia, a back four would be the only option.

Ashley Young has struggled of late and Dalot’s impressive showing on the left flank, his wayward header aside, hopefully convinced Solskjaer of the merits of starting the Portuguese at right-back in Spain.

Martial, meanwhile, was more threatening in his 22 minutes on the pitch than Lukaku was in his 68. But does Solskjaer have it in him to drop Lukaku, one of United’s heroes in Paris?

Solskjaer’s appointment was made permanent because the clubs believe he is capable of making big decisions. He’s got two to make next week.

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez linked up in the build-up to the game’s only goal but their overall influence on proceedings was limited.

Smalling told Messi to ‘bring it on’ on Tuesday and the Argentine didn’t rise to the challenge, while Suarez’s contribution beyond his header that Luke Shaw fortuitously turned into David de Gea’s goal was minimal.

At the end of the night, the overwhelming feeling among United’s supporters was one of regret.

Barcelona, for all the superstar players they had on show, weren’t at the races and a genuine chance for Ole Solskjaer’s men to record another statement win had been missed.