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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer frustrated with Manchester United's failure to take chances

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer frustrated with Manchester United's failure to take chances
© Reuters
Luke Shaw's own goal gave Barcelona a narrow victory.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was frustrated with Manchester United's inability to take their chances after defeat to Barcelona but insisted they are capable of another memorable comeback.

The Catalan giants did not deliver a vintage performance that has been their hallmark for over a decade but Luke Shaw's own goal saw them leave Old Trafford boasting a 1-0 win after the first leg of the quarter-final.

United, who reached this stage by overturning a two-goal deficit against Paris St Germain at the Parc des Princes last month, saw Diogo Dalot and Marcus Rashford squander decent opportunities.

And Solskjaer recognises they must do better in front of goal if they are to upset the odds once more in the return leg at the Nou Camp next Tuesday.

The ground holds a special place in Solskjaer's heart after his goal there sealed United's famous Treble almost 20 years ago, leading the Norwegian to say: "We've scored goals at the Nou Camp before from corners and crosses.

"Of course the PSG performance away gives us hope and belief that we can do it. But we know that we are playing against the favourites in the tournament.

"Going to the Nou Camp is going to be a challenge and it will be a greater achievement winning that one because with the history of Barcelona as well, they're not used to losing at home.

"But we can do it, no doubt about it, we know we can carry a goal threat.

"We created a couple of very good opportunities, Rashy had a volley after a cross that got punched out, Diogo had a great chance at the back post.

"We have to take our chances, you have to be very, very effective and efficient over there. We know we're not going to create loads of chances so we have to take the ones we get."

United have only scored once in the Champions League at home this season, a statistic Solskjaer blanches at but one that he feels is unimportant for now.

He added: "We cannot defend not scoring goals at home. But away from home we've beaten Juventus, we've beaten PSG, we have to go to Barcelona and win that one.

"We know we have possibilities in this tie, now is not the time to think about our home performances because now we've got to look forward to Tuesday."

Manchester United v Barcelona – UEFA Champions League – Quarter Final – First Leg – Old Trafford
Solskjaer felt Sergio Busquets (right) was lucky to stay on the pitch (Nick Potts/PA)

Solskjaer thinks Barcelona were fortunate to finish with their full complement, with Sergio Busquets particularly fortunate to stay on the field following some robust challenges.

He said: "Definitely yes (Busquets should have been sent off). There's nothing we can do about it. I can't complain about the referee. We haven't had any homers, if you put it that way."

Barca's only concern came in the first half when Lionel Messi, who was kept largely subdued, was unintentionally caught by a trailing arm from Chris Smalling.

Manchester United v Barcelona – UEFA Champions League – Quarter Final – First Leg – Old Trafford
Lionel Messi will be assessed over a facial injury (Nick Potts/PA)

Messi played the entirety of the 90 minutes and Barca coach Ernesto Valverde revealed the Argentinian will be assessed on Thursday.

He said: "I feel good taking into account that we are going away with a decent result, (it leaves a) good taste in the mouth.

"We know it's a tight result. There is a second game to come, we know they can react away from home and they did well against PSG.

"It was a very tough game, what we expected. There were moments where we suffered but we are happy."


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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City33272486226483
2Liverpool33257175205582
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs332211064343067
4Chelsea33206757342366
5Manchester UnitedMan Utd33197763441964
6Arsenal32196765402563
7Leicester CityLeicester34145154645147
8Wolverhampton WanderersWolves33138124142-147
9Everton34137144644246
10Watford32137124747046
11West Ham UnitedWest Ham34126164252-1042
12Bournemouth34125174961-1241
13Crystal Palace34116174046-639
14Burnley34116174260-1839
15Newcastle UnitedNewcastle34108163243-1138
16Southampton3399153954-1536
17Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton3296173251-1933
18Cardiff CityCardiff3384212863-3528
RFulham3455243276-4420
RHuddersfield TownHuddersfield3435261967-4814

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