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Xavi Thinks That Manchester United Aren't That Far Behind Barcelona

Xavi Thinks That Manchester United Aren't That Far Behind Barcelona

The Barcelona legend marked each area of the pitch out of 10 and thinks United are just three marks behind their Champions League opponents.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Barcelona legend Xavi thinks that the only area of the pitch that Manchester United are equal to their Champions League quarter final opponents is in goal with David de Gea and Marc-André ter Stegen the same quality.

It's fair to say that most people wouldn't expect Manchester United to make it to the semi finals of the Champions League, which would be their first visit into the last four since 2011, as they take on Barcelona in the quarters.

United were pretty lucky to get through to the knockout stages in the first place, despite their win away against Juventus, and weren't expected to beat PSG in the second round.

Through will, an act of god perhaps and a slice of luck from VAR, it was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side who went through despite being 2-0 down from the home leg.

If that wasn't a difficult enough draw then getting Barcelona in the semis was hardly the easiest match available to the Premier League side.

Whilst most people expect that the La Liga leaders will have far too much for them former Barca midfielder Xavi thinks the two sides aren't too far off in quality.

Speaking to the Mirror the 39 year old rated each area of the pitch for each team out of 10 with the Catalan giants coming out on top 36-33.

According to the Spaniard both clubs score nine out of 10 for goalkeeper David de Gea and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Barca's defence wins 8-7, the midfield is ahead 9-8 and, helped by Lionel Messi, the attack wins 10-9.

United might need some De Gea heroics to go through. Image: PA Images
United might need some De Gea heroics to go through. Image: PA Images

On Ernesto Valverde's attack the Al Sadd SC midfielder said, "Messi just keeps getting better and better he is the best ever and this season is looking as dangerous as ever. When he is like this he is impossible to keep quiet."

Messi is in ridiculous form. Image: PA Images
Messi is in ridiculous form. Image: PA Images

Xavi singled out Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial as having the ability to cause issues for the Spanish side.

The Champions League has become United's only chance of silverware this season, following their loss in the FA Cup quarters to Wolves, and they'd have to have as unexpected a run to the final as Chelsea in 2011 to do so.

Can United win the Champions League?

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Topics: Xavi, Football News, Manchester United, Barcelona, Premier League, Champions League, Spanish football, La Liga