Ibra names one United player who can make the difference versus Barca

LA Galaxy striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes Paul Pogba could the main player for Manchester United when they entertain Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday night. The Red Devils have recently suffered a dip in form with three losses in the past four matches, and they need to produce their best showing in order to outclass the Spanish heavyweights.

In a report covered by The Mirror, Ibrahimovic indicated that the match should pose an interesting affair with star-studded players on either side. He added that Lionel Messi is obviously the main attraction of the match, though Pogba could make a notable difference for the hosts, he said: “I think it will be a very interesting game. Two big teams, two big clubs playing against each other. Both teams with great history and it will be exciting to see and fantastic players in each team. Let’s see who will be the strongest on the day. Obviously, Messi makes the difference in each game he plays, it’s no secret. I think for United, you have Pogba making the difference there.”

United have shown signs of vulnerability over the past four matches where they have failed to keep a single clean sheet. As such, the pressure should be on them to perform against the Blaugrana, and it remains to be seen whether they can keep the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez and prevent the away goal which could cost them in the end.

Before the game, however, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has some selection issues to encounter with Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera deemed doubtful through injuries. Scott McTominay and Fred are likely to replace them in the centre of the park, though they could experience a testing challenge with limited exposure to the competition this term.