Manchester United opportunities were at a premium, the best being a first-half header from Diogo Dalot that he directed off target. In fact, United did not muster a single shot on target.
Luke Shaw’s first-half own goal handed Barcelona the advantage as Manchester United suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat in their Champions League quarter-final first leg at Old Trafford.
The United left-back gave Barca a deserved lead on 12 minutes when he deflected Luis Suarez’s header into his own net, with the goal confirmed following a VAR review.
Manchester United 0-1 FC Barcelona Luke Shaw (12′) [OG] pic.twitter.com/7dmm4VyLih— Gunfighter (@Jony_Gunman) April 10, 2019
Barcelona still posed a threat, with David de Gea saving from Philippe Coutinho and Messi – and United must now repeat their last-16 heroics against Paris St-Germain in France when they travel to the Nou Camp chasing a semi-final spot against Liverpool or Porto.
United had excellent performers, with youngster Scott McTominay delivering a performance of real maturity, but the bottom line was that they barely laid a glove on Barcelona all night.
And the frustration for the Premier League side will be that this should be regarded as a missed opportunity because Barcelona were light years away from their flowing best here.
This was the first time United have failed to have a shot on target in a Champions League game since March 2005, when they lost away to AC Milan.