Chris Smalling was asked about the challenge that left Barcelona star Lionel Messi with a bloodied face in the Champions League at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.
The Manchester United defender accidentally clattered the Argentine in the face during an aerial dual in the first half of United's 1-0 defeat to the La Liga champions in the quarter final first leg.
The five time Ballon d'Or winner was treated for his facial injury but managed to last the full 90 minutes as Barcelona secured a one goal advantage to take into the second leg at the Nou Camp next Tuesday.
After the game Smalling was asked about the incident which left the Barcelona forward injured.
"I think it [the challenge] came when we were right on the front foot," Smalling told BT Sport.
"We had to bring the intensity they’re not used to every week and there’s a lot to play for in second leg. We pressed them high and made it difficult. It’s a shame we couldn’t get the goal. I thought we created some good chances.
"We had a spell in the first half where we went after them and then we looked nervy, but after half time we got at them. The whole team, we nullified them. I think there was only one other save for David de Gea. We knew we had to bring that intensity that they’re not used to."
Smalling was booked in the 85th minute for a challenge on former Liverpool forward Luis Suarez but the centre-back thought it was a soft decision.
"It was a good battle, my yellow card on Luis Suarez out of all the challenges I thought it was the softest," he added.
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