Champions League: Man Utd boss defends Spanish star’s mistake after Barcelona humbling

The Red Devils bowed down to pressure in the hands of Barcelona to exit the UEFA Champion League in a humbling 4-0 aggregate.

The team, however, had itself to blame from the exposed defense and poor goalkeeping by De Gea where all the goals came from.

Think a portion of Manchester United fans need a reality check on who the club can realistically sign this summer, especially without Champions League football.

All great saying 'Sell De Gea and bring in Oblak', but it's never going to happen.

— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) April 17, 2019

Dispossessing Ashley Young on the flank, Messi cut inside and curled beyond De Gea, who four minutes later allowed the Barcelona captain’s tame right-foot effort to slide under him.

Messi Pass > Jordi Alba >Coutinho goal,what an outstanding performance from Barcelona #BARMUN#BarcaMUFCpic.twitter.com/iy3TeEdLSI

— Pye Waw (@pyewaw) April 16, 2019

That effectively ended the contest – while Coutinho added gloss to the scoreline with a superb strike from distance after the interval – though Solskjaer was understandably reticent to criticise a goalkeeper who has so often come to United’s aid in recent years.

Despite their disappointing exit, Devil’s boss has come out to defend his number 1 keeper.

Solskjaer said: “That’s unfortunate with goalkeepers. When you make an error, it can get highlighted and that’ll be remembered.

“But he made some fantastic saves as well, which all in all, his contribution to the team is good but sometimes that happens in football.

“The quality of their finishing was absolutely outstanding. We started well in the first 15 minutes, we felt we’ve got something here and then in four minutes they scored two goals.

“The attitude was right, we were fighting against a good team and good players out there.

“Messi is an exceptional talent, him and Cristiano (Ronaldo) have been the best players in the world in the last decade.

Barcelona (1)2-0(0) manchester united

Again messi goal.. pic.twitter.com/bquTzCwvna

— Hairul Hafizee (@hairulhafizee) April 16, 2019

“He showed why we all think that and why he’s won so many titles and why this team have won so many Champions Leagues (four since 2006).

Messi goal with magic.#Messi pic.twitter.com/HdE65B5Otu

— Nusrat Aman (@themirror01) April 16, 2019

“You can prepare as much as you like, if you give him space and time around the goal he’ll create and score goals, he’s a fantastic player.”