Varane: We are ready for the challenge
Manchester United defender Raphael Varane insists the Reds are prepared to play with belief and discipline when facing the challenge that Barcelona will pose at Old Trafford tomorrow evening.
With our UEFA Europa League tie hanging in the balance following the first-leg draw at the Nou Camp last week, United welcome the La Liga outfit to the Theatre of Dreams on Thursday for the first time since 2019, for the return match.
The 29-year-old - who partnered Luke Shaw at the heart of the defence in Catalonia - spoke to the media at Carrington earlier today to preview tomorrow's encounter, and amplified his confidence that he and his team-mates can get the job done in M16.
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''I think the first game against Barcelona was a very good game, top level, two offensive teams who want to press high up the pitch,'' he began, speaking at today's press conference to preview the tie.
''The level was good and it was a good result for us. Obviously in the first half, we could score maybe more goals, but in general we played with character and personality on the pitch, which is very important.
''In the second game we know how we want to play, we want to play with patience and with discipline on the pitch and belief. I think we have a good team and we are ready for that challenge.''
In impressive form of late, and continuing to grow in belief, Varane spoke about the confidence United are currently playing with, ahead of the second meeting with Barcelona.
''I think over the last month we have grown a lot,'' Rapha added. ''We are playing with more confidence and tomorrow the atmosphere will be electric so we will have to manage our emotions by staying calm and believing.
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''I think we have improved a lot already as a team and the next stage is to beat teams like Barcelona and it is both a great challenge and a great opportunity.
''Obviously they have important absences in the squad [on Pedri and Gavi]. But also Barcelona have a big squad and they can find replacements for this.
''We need to be prepared and they can bring players in who are ready to play in this game. We have to be prepared and we have to play the same [as the first leg] or even better to go through and qualify for the next round.''