Liverpool legend Graeme Souness believes Man United will have their work cut out in their upcoming Europa League play-off round clash against Barcelona.
Erik ten Hag's side drew the Spanish giants on Monday. It is the standout fixture of the play-off round, newly introduced for this season.
It is arguably the hardest draw United could have had. Despite dropping out of the Champions League, Barcelona currently top La Liga by two points ahead of Real Madrid - although Carlo Ancelotti's side do have a game in hand.
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They also possess one of the world's top strikers in Robert Lewandowski. The Pole already has 18 goals to his name this season in the same number of matches in all competitions.
United have made progress under Ten Hag, but the 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday, where the side's defensive and midfield frailities were laid bare, shows there is still plenty of work to do.
The same can, in some ways, be said for Barcelona, who view dropping into the Europa League as a major disappointment.
And Souness thinks Xavi's side will be a tricky hurdle to navigate for one of his former club's biggest rivals.
Souness on Man Utd vs Barcelona
Speaking on talkSPORT's 'White and Jordan', Souness laid bare his views on arguably the biggest matchup of the Europa League so far this season.
He stated: "Good luck with that one. I don't think you could have picked a more difficult [tie].
"I think [Barcelona] are doing OK, I know there's been recent controversy over [Gerard] Pique, and the way he's been treated coming to the end of his career.
"But I think that Barca are decent at this time."
The Pique situation could make life even harder for United when the play-off tie comes around.
The Spanish defender announced his shock retirement from football last week, and played his last competitive game at Camp Nou on Saturday.
But his decision to give up the remaining €30 million of his contract, as per reports from Spanish outlet El Larguero, could go directly towards helping his now former club strengthen in the transfer market.
And whilst their interest in Red Devils full-back Diogo Dalot doesn't look like progressing - United are reportedly confident they can keep the Portugal international beyond his current deal - they could still make key improvements.
The play-off round first leg takes place in February, meaning there is time for both clubs to do business in the market.
Topics: Graeme Souness, Liverpool, Manchester United, Barcelona, Europa League
Ryan Smart