football | Wednesday, February 15, 2023 10:20 AM

Silvestre: United Need to be Ready to Suffer at Camp Nou but Substitutes can Make an Impact

Devang Prasad

The Europa League two legged tie between Manchester United and Barcelona will be of intrigue to the world despite it not having the gravitas of a Champions League fixture. Two former heavyweight champions that have been forced to step down a division in a bid to get back on track and relive their former glories. One of the more intriguing aspects of this game will be the tactical aspect of this match up.

To discuss more about that, we talked to a man who starred in a win for Man Utd over FC Barcelona, back in 2008, when the Red Devils defeated the Catalans in the Champions League semi finals.

In this article:

United have to be cautious but not afraid of taking initiative
Gavi and Pedri will be the key men for United to deal with
United’s options from the bench can turn the tide
Manchester United are favourites to win the Europa League
Manchester United’s squad is strong enough to maintain focus in all competitions

United have to be cautious but not afraid of taking initiative

Xavi and Erik ten Hag both have ties to the school of Johan Cruyff. A possession based, positional game with the aim of dominating the ball and entertaining their fans. However, there is only one ball and so one of Pep Guardiola’s proteges may be forced to sacrifice their principles in order to guarantee their passage into the next round.

Silvestre believes that Barcelona are likely to dominate the game and so United will have to adapt their approach at the Nou Camp.

“I think you’ve got to be ready to suffer, to concede possession, because that’s Barcelona’s style, they retain a lot of possession, most games.”

“Away from home, reinforces that position where you’re not going to get control of the ball as much as you wish but whenever you have the opportunity to counter-press and recover the ball in your own half, you have to make good use of it.”

“So, I think United should be cautious but cautious doesn’t mean being afraid or lacking courage when you have to take initiative and attack in numbers. They will need to do it.”

Gavi and Pedri will be the key men for United to deal with

Barcelona currently sit nine points clear at the top of La Liga and are in great form at the moment. They have a number of players at their disposal that could cause United issues and Silvestre is wary of the threat they possess as a team. Especially in the central midfield area which has become a La Masia 2.0 edition.

Silvestre commented, “Obviously the attacking players with Raphinha and Lewandowski. You control these guys, the job is half-done but in midfield they are still impressive with Busquets, Gavi and Pedri.”

“When the midfielders are in control, they’re able to play, they cause damage and make you run around.”

“I think for me, the midfield in Barcelona is the place where you have to be extremely focused and strong and try to stop them as much as possible.”

United’s options from the bench can turn the tide

However, United also possess threats of their own. Threats that, when given the opportunity, could give Barcelona problems of their own. Silvestre claims that the squad ten Hag has built so far beyond the starting 11 could be key to United overcoming a tricky first leg of the tie.

“I would say the guys coming off the bench like Garnacho, for example. Sancho, if Antony was to start or vice-versa.”

“I think those players are coming after 60-70 minutes, they could bring an instant impact and bring the decisive assist or goal that would put United in a good position for the return leg.”

Manchester United are favourites to win the Europa League

Winning trophies in his first season at the club would be a huge triumph for ten Hag as he seeks to restore United to their glory days. So far you would find it a tough job finding United fans that aren’t pleased with his work so far. Silvestre is firm in his belief that the Europa League title is a huge possibility for United if they can first overcome Barcelona.

“Yeah I think already from the get go, United in that competition, is the favourite.”

“But if you knock out Barcelona who are leaders of La Liga, you reinforce that position. And it’s important to take that opportunity because yes it’s not the Champions League but it’s still silverware and gives you a good habit of winning.”

“It would be good to be able to beat Barcelona.”

Manchester United’s squad is strong enough to maintain focus in all competitions

There have been doubts amongst the United fan base that they will be able to maintain their form across the four competitions they find themselves in. Such success would require strength in depth and quality beyond the starting 11. Silvestre is convinced that United have enough in the tank to maintain their focus in all the competitions they’re competing in.

“I don’t think the immediate strategy is to win the Europa League to qualify.”

“The squad is strong enough. Apart from Eriksen, there’s no injury issues and he was replaced by Sabitzer.”

“In terms of numbers and quality, I think the squad is strong enough and there’s enough depth to challenge for the Europa League.”

“They’ve reached one final already, against Newcastle, the League Cup. The Europa League and the Premier League, I think the team will focus on those competitions equally.”