Pique returns
Gerard Piqué knows how to ensure he remains ingratiated with Manchester United's supporters. "I think it's the biggest team in England," the 32-year-old, who spent four years at Old Trafford after signing as a 17-year-old in 2004, said in Tuesday's press conference. "And they've shown that by the national titles they've won."
After a quick Liverpool bashing, the centre-back spoke of Barcelona's intention to score at Old Trafford so as to ensure the return leg at the Camp Nou is as straightforward as possible amid his side's quest for a treble of trophies this season.
United's incredible comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in the last-16 is in the back of Barcelona's mind, Pique admitted, but Marcus Rashford and Co. will have a far harder task in giving Barcelona's back four the run-around.
A wonderful centre-back United missed out on
Clement Lenglet is in with a reasonable shout of partnering Piqué at the heart of Barcelona's defence and you wonder what might have been had United acted on the display the Frenchman delivered at the last-16 stage of last season's competition with Sevilla.
United were soundly beaten at Old Trafford, with Lenglet offering a faultless performance at the back. The Reds have been crying out for a stylish, defensively-sound left-footed centre-back for years and Lenglet might have been the man for the job.
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The Messi show
Lenglet demonstrated his impressive ability on the ball in Barcelona's rondos during their open training session in a group with Lionel Messi. The Argentine has played just once at Old Trafford at club level - the night Paul Scholes inflicted defeat on Barca in the 2008 semi-final second leg - and a stellar display at United's home ground is one of very few things missing from Messi's CV. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him correct that on Wednesday night.
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Injury watch
Ousmane Dembélé is Barcelona's sole injury concern but the France international looked comfortable during Barcelona's warm-up at Old Trafford. Barca boss Ernest Valverde said the 21-year-old would be given until the last possible minute to prove his fitness for the game, but warned that no risks would be taken over a player who has not plaed since Barcelona's 5-1 victory over Lyon in the previous round of the competition on March 13.
