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'I would have preferred Tottenham': Man Utd's former chairman reveals Barcelona fear
MANCHESTER UNITED face Barcelona in the Champions League tonight and former chairman Martin Edwards is wary of coming up against one of Europe’s best sides.
Man Utd vs Barcelona: Champions League match preview
In face, Sir Alex Ferguson’s former boss admits he would have much preferred to be playing Tottenham at this stage of the competition.
Manchester United face Barcelona at Old Trafford tonight in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
Tottenham beat Manchester City 1-0 at home in their opening leg of the competition last night.
And Edwards reckons United got a tough draw.
I would have preferred Porto or at most Tottenham
Asked if he would have preferred to face City over Barca at this stage, Edwards told Gazzetta dello Sport: “Let's say I would have avoided both in the draw.
“I would have preferred Porto or at most Tottenham.
“But in any case you never know what can happen over the two matches.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men host Barca tonight as major underdogs. Barcelona are cruising in La Liga and looking to complete the treble.
United beat PSG 3-1 in Paris to progress to the last-eight - a result that came late on with a Marcus Rashford penalty.
And Edwards reckons that performance showed United can overturn Barca over two legs.
"Meanwhile, we call that knock-out round win in Paris a miracle,” he added.
“When you lose 2-0 at home it's hard to reassemble. In the first leg PSG tough in defence. We couldn't strike, so the return leg was really fantastic.
Barcelona train at Old Trafford ahead of Man United match
“What of Barca? I think they’re the best team, they play the most beautiful football in the world, they have an exceptional attack.
“Players like Messi, Suarez and Rakitic are very dangerous.
“We will have to play really well, without making mistakes, in the two matches.”