Barcelona vs Man Utd: Red Devils look to down Lewandowski... and Chelsea flopIF YOU had told Chelsea fans that Andreas Christensen would be the beating heart of Europe’s best defence this season, many would have laughed. After all, the Dane’s mental frailties were a constant source of concern throughout his stay at Stamford Bridge. 5Rashford celebrating with Garnacho during the win over LeedsCredit: Getty 5Chelsea flop Andreas Christensen has starred at BarcelonaCredit: Getty Indeed, when Christensen pulled out of last season’s FA Cup Final on the morning of the match, Thomas Tuchel suggested it was “not the first time he did not play although he was physically available”. It was the loss of Antonio Rudiger to Spanish football, not the Dane, that exercised the minds of Chelsea fans last summer.
” What has helped is the rest of the team buying into Xavi’s demand that they defend from the front, putting pressure on the ball. For a team that is under pressure to entertain, the willingness to put in a shift - even though Barca will be without the injured Sergio Busquets and Ousmane Dembele against United - has been a huge signal of intent. Xavi explained: “Defending well is not our main weapon, but it is becoming a very good weapon. “The first defender is Robert Lewandowski. That's where the intensity in the pressure begins and it infects the rest. “If we don't concede goals, it's everyone's credit, not just the defenders and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen in goal, but they are also at a very high level.
” Lewandowski’s threat at the other end will be high on United’s agenda as well, and former Leeds wide man Raphinha is finally finding his feet in Catalonia. But if they do not fire, then Barca now believe they can keep United out. Xavi added: “We are an offensive team, we want to score the second and third. “But it doesn’t always happen like that and we are winning many games by the minimum because of the way we defend. ” 5Casemiro is set to return for Man Utd after being banned in the Premier League When is Barcelona vs Man Utd? Barcelona's anticipated fixture against Manchester United will take place on Thursday, February 16.