The Red Devils have suffered three defeats in their last four, with their next fixture set to be the first leg of a Champions League quarter-final
Manchester United run the risk of being “punished” by Lionel Messi and Barcelona after hitting a concerning run of form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, says Dimitar Berbatov.
Having seen the start of his reign at Old Trafford deliver a string of positive results, the Norwegian coach was handed a three-year contract by the Red Devils.
A stunning Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain contributed significantly to the offer of those terms, but a first wobble under a new boss has been endured since then.
United have suffered three defeats in their last four outings and are set to lock horns with La Liga heavyweights in the first leg of a continental quarter-final on Wednesday.
“I'm concerned by United's poor form and, if they continue to make mistakes like they have been doing recently, then, let's face it, they're going to be punished by Barcelona,” former Red Devils striker Berbatov told Betfair.
“They are making their lives difficult at the moment and it's looking tough to make the top four in the Premier League now.
“United went on that incredible undefeated run when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over and this is their first bad patch.
“You know, when you're winning everything feels natural and good but an important thing is knowing how to react to a defeat. I'm sure Ole knows what to do here and he will have his side fired up and ready for Barca.
“In football sometimes you have that strange thing where a club can falter against small teams but turn it on against big teams. It's crucial to get motivated for every game, not just the big ones.
“Sir Alex Ferguson sometimes didn't need to motivate us for the big games, his job and real skill was to motivate us for the small games.
“I admit, Barcelona are the rightful favourites in the tie, but, of course, so were PSG, and nothing is certain in football.
“United can forget their recent form and make a statement here, but - and it's nothing new or original - they must watch out for that man Messi.”
Ahead of a meeting with Barcelona and their mercurial Argentine captain, United have slipped to sixth in the Premier League table.
They are only two points adrift of Arsenal in fourth and three behind Tottenham in third, but the battle for Champions League qualification appears set to intensify heading into a final sprint to the finish.
Madrista_forever
163
can I hear something other than that they will just not punish it's gonna be a massacre the attack of Barca is too strong for weak defence of United and the midfield my God they are on another level compared to midfield of United are you kidding there is no chance that United can survive Barca and this is from a Madrid fan by that you should know how highly I rate my El classico rivals
Nas070
102
Messi has no replacement in the whole world. when he retires his records will remain unbreakable because no one can do what he has done in football. He's extraordinary player who can singlehandedly change a team/results positively. He is a genius in football, and it's going to affect Barca when he retires, the whole world will miss his magics in football. I wish him well and never wish that day he'll retire comes. visca Barca.
P_Taneja
101
A major point man u need to keep in mind don't commit foul within 20 -30 yards
Kohmarz
70
Barca will respect but Barca players gonna plush them badly. That is what I said in my previews comments.
datsama
45
actually it would have made little or no difference even if the match took place in the first few weeks of ogs's run. the goat and his army will tier them to shreds
Goldenboy4Messi
35
Why change the club ?. You only divorce because you are not happy in your marriage. When you are not satisfied that's when you look for another wife or a man. You change jobs/employment because you want bigger salary. He is the best paid player in the world in his club. He has in enough money. Why do you want him to go and play in FARMERS LEAGUE???????. Messi okay in his club. He has met the big names in the world and still destroyed them. He is a very disciplined player. He is destroying the stars even when is playing in same club. Tell your star players to remain in one club, one league and win big trophies and if not, shut up.
ciykmtu
9
can I hear something other than that they will just not punish it's gonna be a massacre the attack of Barca is too strong for weak defence of United and the midfield my God they are on another level compared to midfield of United are you kidding there is no chance that United can survive Barca and this is from a Madrid fan by that you should know how highly I rate my El classico rivals
Respect my man....if not my rival Real Madrid then it's your rival Barcelona and the motto remains that no matter what Champions league trophy must stay in Spain 👏👏👏