Raphael Varane says Manchester United cannot afford to get caught up in the emotion of Thursday night's epic European showdown with Barcelona.
Former Real Madrid defender Varane knows what it takes to beat Barca, having faced them 21 times in his career, winning seven and drawing six. Ahead of the second leg, former France defender Varane said: “I think in the last months we've grown a lot.
“I think we're playing with more confidence and the atmosphere will be electric against Barcelona. We have to manage our emotions, stay calm and believe. We improved a lot already as a team and the next stage is to beat teams like Barcelona. It's a great challenge for us and a great opportunity.
“The first game against Barcelona was a very good game at a top level, between two open teams who wanted to press high on the pitch. We could maybe have scored more goals in the first-half, but in general we played with character and personality, which was important.
“For the second game, we know exactly how we want to play – with patience, discipline and belief. We have a good team and we're ready for the challenge.”
Varane believes United have improved this season because, under Erik ten Hag, they have a clear identity and tactical plan which they are following. “I think first of all it's the confidence and secondly I think it's the discipline,” said Varane.
“Tactically, we are following exactly the rules. We know exactly how we want to play and manage the game. The quality in the squad is there and I think, with a little bit more experience and mentality of competition, we can really improve a lot. That's maybe the difference between this season and last.”
Barcelona head to Old Trafford without influential midfielders Pedri and Gavi, with the former ruled out with an injury and the latter suspended after picking up his third yellow in European football last week.
On those absences, Varane added: "I don't know what Xavi is thinking. Obviously, Gavi and Pedri, great players. Their squad has so much depth, that they have players who can replace them and tomorrow it will be a very good team. If we want to win, we have to be at our best."
