Man Utd faces Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League clash at Old Trafford. Juan Mata has revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson is helping the side.
Manchester United will aim to put their disappointing run behind them as the side takes on Barcelona in the Champions League.
While Barcelona are flying high with an 11-point lead over Atletico Madrid, Manchester United’s fortunes haven’t been the same. Since the side’s miraculous win over PSG, it has only been downhill for Solskjaer’s men.
Manchester United have slipped to sixth position in the league and was knocked out of the FA Cup in the quarterfinals by Wolves.
As the side prepares for the clash at Old Trafford, Juan Mata talked about the game, and also revealed how former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been helping the side ahead of the game against Barcelona.
Juan Mata on Sir Alex Ferguson:
The Manchester United midfielder talked about the club’s famous victory in the 1999 Champions League final, stating that the team intends to repeat the same magic in the competition this season.
“I’m sure (Solskjaer) will do this in the next days. We will have in our minds his image, celebrating that goal and Sir Alex Ferguson celebrating,” Mata began.
“I was young and some of my teammates were probably not watching TV at that time!
“But it was a fantastic memory for a lot of people that love Manchester United in that stadium.
“For himself also, scoring that goal. So I’m sure he will speak about it, his most important goal. We will try to make another great night for Manchester United fans and create new and very good memories for them.”
Mata proceeded to talk about Sir Alex Ferguson, stating that the Scotsman has been observing the training and talking to the manager ahead of the clash against Barcelona.
“The times that he was there in the last months, he was just watching training and he would say ‘hello’ to everyone and would have a longer conversation with the manager than the players.
“But having him there, his aura, his memories, what he’s given and done for this club is something you cannot really explain.
“Obviously it’s very nice when you see he has recovered from what he had (brain haemorrhage).
“He’s one of the most important figures in Manchester United and when he’s close to us, he gives you that positive energy.”
How Twitter reacted..
‘We will have in our minds Ole’s image, celebrating that goal and Sir Alex Ferguson celebrating.’ Exclusive chat with Juan Mata on his future, working with Solskjaer, meetings with Cantona and more #mufc https://t.co/Hjnyc8jw0O
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) April 8, 2019
Mata and Herrera leaving for free but our board selling it to us as if it is a part of a major clear out. If anything, it shows the failure of our board to not get any fee for them, plus worse players would still remain at the club.
— Sir Alex Ferguson Way 🇾🇪 🔰 (@shanu_sas) April 4, 2019
Juan Mata on Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer:
“I’m very happy for him when he got the permanent job because I think he embodies what Manchester United is and he is a great person, so perfect.”#MUFC #GGMU pic.twitter.com/auJplOi4NT
— SBOBET (@SBOBET) April 8, 2019
What next?
The first leg of the tie would take place on Wednesday this week. Manchester United will return to Premier League action on the weekend when they take on West Ham.