Coach upbeat despite Barcelona's loss to United

FC Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique remained upbeat although his side lost its second pre-season game 1-3 to Manchester United here.

Wayne Rooney was on the score-sheet on Saturday for the English football side coached by former Barcelona coach Luis Van Gaal, Xinhua reported on Sunday. However, Enrique was able to take comfort from the fact that his side hit the woodwork on three occasions and that misfortune played a part in Barcelona's defeat.

"I thought it was a good pre-season game," he said. "We showed a good level, but this time the effectiveness, both in our rival's goal and in actions such as the goals we conceded played a role."

Although Thomas Vermaelan struggled in the Barceloina defence, which saw Sergi Roberto play as a makeshift right back, the coach was not too harsh on his defenders.

"We didn't do well with the goals, but I am not worried at the moment, because we have until August 11 to correct out mistakes," he said.

The Barcelona coach preferred to look at bad luck in attack, highlighting his side had "hit the post three times and we are not as clinical as usual with our shooting, but the posts are part of the game".

Barcelona have now travelled to Washington to complete their visit, one which Enrique described as attractive.

"You can play against top level sides and it is a good way of preparing, because we are soon going to play for two titles (The European and Spanish Supercups)."