Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic believes his side need to ‘respect’ Manchester United in their Champions League quarter-final this month.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side eliminated Paris Saint-Germain in the Round of 16, coming back from a two-goal first-leg deficit to progress 3-3 on aggregate with away goals coming into play.
“We saw how good they were and we know English clubs are strong at the moment,” Rakitic told journalist Andy Mitten in GQ Magazine.
“Man United are having good results and to score three goals in Paris was incredible. You have to respect Manchester for this comeback, for the organisation and fight in the team with so many young players.
“I have a lot of respect for the British people and the passion which they have for football, the full stadiums.
“You have to know your best side, and the new Man United manager seems to know that. If you have to fight a bit more or play counter-attacking then you do what is best.
“A lot of teams would like to play like Barcelona and have possession. But if you have possession and you lose the game finally, then it’s for nothing and I would not be happy.”
