Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde reveals he wants to avoid Manchester United in Champions League despite friendly win
Head coach says 'impressive' United are contenders to win Europe's elite competition after seeing Neymar net in 1-0 victory in the USA
BARCELONA BOSS Ernesto Valverde wants to avoid Manchester United in the Champions League – and says that Jose Mourinho's team could win the trophy.
After his team beat United 1-0 in a friendly in the USA, Valverde said the Red Devils are once again a force to be reckoned with.
After seeing a Neymar goal earn Barca victory on Wednesday night in Maryland, Valverde was asked about the strength of United.
“Obviously it hasn't been well lately, but they won the Europa League,” he said.
“This year they are going to be in the Champions League. Their presence by itself is impressive. They impress.
“I think they are going to be a really hard team to beat.
“For me, they are contenders to win and they are going to be hard to beat in the Premier League and the Champions League.
“I wouldn't want to face them in the Champions League.”
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Neymar, who has been strongly linked with a move to Paris Saint Germain, was among 10 Barca players taken off at the break,
Valverde sidestepped talk of the French club’s potential £195million swoop for the Brazilian.
“Neymar was very happy talking to his Manchester United friends outside the locker room just right now,” Valverde said. “He is still with us.
“Concerning the game, I am happy with the performance and I am happy that we won against a powerful team such as Manchester United.”
United boss Jose Mourinho decalred himself happy with his team's performance against Barca, saying "defeat is good".
United’s loss on Wednesday ended their five-game tour of the United States.
