While Manchester United's last four years have been an expensive mish-mash of finishes outside the top four, failed signings and 1-1 draws (albeit with three major trophies won in the past two campaigns) the Red Devils are a side Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde is keen to avoid in next season's Champions League.
Valverde's side handed United their first pre-season defeat, last night, with a solitary Neymar goal settling matters in Maryland. However, despite United's recent struggles in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, the Spanish coach believes the Old Trafford club will re-emerge as a force in next season's Champions League and would prefer to avoid Mourinho's men in the competition, if possible.
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Speaking after last night's victory, Valverde said, via Goal, "For me, they are contenders to win and they are going to be hard to beat in the Premier League and the Champions League.
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"Obviously it hasn't gone well for them lately, but I mean they won the Europa League.
"This year they are going to be in the Champions League. Their presence by itself is impressive. They impress. I think they are going to be a really hard team to beat.
"I wouldn't want to face them in the Champions League."
Valverde was announced as Barcelona's new manager in May, taking over from the outgoing Luis Enrique. Image: PA
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Mourinho has strengthened his squad with the arrivals of Swedish defender Victor Lindelof from Benfica and Romelu Lukaku from Everton, with the likes of Ivan Perisic, Eric Dier, Nemanja Matic and Gareth Bale still being linked with potential summer moves to Old Trafford.
Given United's recent record in cup competitions, where they have won the Europa League, EFL Cup and FA Cup over a 12 month period, Mourinho will likely feel confident of replicating this winning form in next season's Champions League, despite the obvious step up in quality involved in Europe's premiere competition.
United will be hoping that this season's return to the Champions League is more successful than the last time they entered the competition, under Louis Van Gaal, when they slumped out at the group stages despite being drawn in a relatively favourable group alongside PSV Eindhoven, CSKA Moscow and Wolfsburg.
The draw for next season's group stage will take place on 24th August, with the first round of games commencing on 12th September.
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How do you rate United's chances in next season's Champions League? Are Mourinho's men genuine contenders?
Have your say in the comments section on our Facebook page.
(H/T Goal)
Topics: FC Barcelona, Football, Manchester United, Champions League, Ernesto Valverde
