Manchester United’s Chris Smalling talked to the media after the side’s 1-0 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League.
Manchester United pulled out a spirited performance but failed to overcome Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal tie.
The side now aims for a unlikely comeback at Camp Nou to replicate their stunning victory over PSG.
Luke Shaw’s own goal remained the sole difference in the game. Manchester United attacked the Barcelona defence on various occasions throughout the game, but failed to register a single shot on target.
United’s defender, Chris Smalling spoke to media after the side’s loss at Old Trafford.
Smalling on Barcelona:
Chris Smalling praised the side’s effort in the game even when Manchester United failed to register the win. The Manchester United defender stated that the team neutralised the threats from their attack, which was significant.
“We pressed them high and made it difficult,” said Smalling.
“It’s a shame we couldn’t get the goal. I thought we created some good chances. We had a spell in the first half where we went after them and then we looked nervy, but after half time we got at them.”
Chris Smalling also sent out a warning to Barcelona, insisting that United played in the manner which is not accustomed to the Catalan giants, signifying that the Old Trafford outfit is capable of overturning the deficit in the second leg.
“The whole team, we nullified them. I think there was only one other save for De Gea.
We knew we had to bring that intensity that they’re not used to.
“It was a good battle, my yellow card on Luis Suarez out of all the challenges I thought it was the softest.”
Smalling was also involved in a challenge on Lionel Messi, which left the Barca captain with a bloodied face.
How Twitter reacted..
Solskjaer wanted to be in the game going to the Nou Camp and, at the very least, he’s got that. Punished for a slow start and a lack of composure in decent positions. Credit to McTominay and Smalling. Both did well.
— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) April 10, 2019
Smalling did what he said we was gonna do.
Make it difficult for messi
Respect
— kenna (@kennagq) April 10, 2019
Before the game, Chris Smalling told Messi to “bring it on.”
He wasn’t joking. pic.twitter.com/0u64JdSN3X
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 10, 2019
What next?
The second leg of the tie will take place on April 16.
