Stopping Messi not mission impossible for Man Utd, says Solskjaer

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AFP Manchester
Last Updated : Apr 10 2019 | 9:25 AM IST

Lionel Messi has a history of terrorising Manchester United but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes it is not impossible to stop the Barcelona star inflicting more damage in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final.

Messi scored in both of Barca's Champions League final victories over United, in 2009 and 2011, and is hungry to win the competition for a fifth time after crashing out at the last eight for the past three seasons.

The Argentine has been in majestic form again this season, scoring 43 goals in 40 appearances to put Barca in position for a third treble in a decade.

"He is a fantastic player and will go down in history as one of the best individual players ever," said United boss Solskjaer ahead of the first leg of the tie at Old Trafford.

"He will be difficult to stop but it is never impossible. It's not like it's Messi against Manchester United.

"There is (Luis) Suarez, (Philippe) Coutinho, (Ivan) Rakitic, (Arturo) Vidal, there are so many good players we can't just focus on one player. We know we have to play against 11 of them."
- Barcelona favourites -
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"We know we need to perform to our best levels, which we didn't against PSG at home. The outcome of the second leg against PSG has given the players and supporters belief that the same is possible against Barcelona."

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First Published: Apr 10 2019 | 9:25 AM IST

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