Solskjaer: Messi a different class and Barca were a couple of levels above us

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted Barcelona were 'a couple of levels' above Manchester United after their Champions League exit.

He said: 'If you want the result you need a performance and we started well and created some decent chances but then he (Messi) hits it in the bottom corner and I've got to say, it's top quality. He was the difference.

'He is a different class, him and Cristiano (Ronaldo) are the best players of the past decade and tonight he (Messi) showed his quality. That's the quality we have to aspire to.

'If we want to get back to Manchester United's true tradition and level we have got to get to challenge the Barcelonas, and I've got to say they were a couple of levels above us in those 90 minutes and at Old Trafford.

'We want to play these games next year so we've got a massive week coming up and now we have to concentrate on the league.'

'We know there’s work to be done. I’ve said all along this isn’t going to change overnight. The next few years are going to be massive to get to the level of Barcelona and other teams. 

‘We’re on with the job and have spoken to the players. We need to get the best out of each other and create an environment of top-class attitude. 

'We’ve got good players to work with but, as I said, we’ve got a rebuilding job. It starts with the coaches and players, and with one or two additions.’

‘That’s unfortunate with goalkeepers,’ added Solskjaer. ‘When you make an error it can get highlighted and that will be remembered. He made some fantastic saves and his contribution to the team is good, but sometimes that happens in football. 

'You know the level. You cannot slip up and make mistakes and not take the chances you get yourself. We didn’t capitalise on our great chance, then they have two shots on target and two goals. 

‘If you want the result you need the performance and you have to have margins. We started well but then Messi hits that in the bottom corner. I have to say he is top quality and he was the difference. When they went 2-0 up it was game over.

‘Whenever he gets the ball around the box he will be decisive. He was the winner for them.’