The Manchester United boss found a system to frustrate the Blaugrana at Old Trafford, but a lack of cutting edge meant the Red Devils still lost out

There were only six goals in the four Champions League quarter-final first legs this week, but every game was fascinating in its own way.

 

Tottenham, Manchester United, and Ajax were particularly impressive from a tactical perspective and yet only one of these teams won, while Liverpool eased past Porto in the only tie that has, perhaps, already been settled.

 

Here are five tactical points you may have missed from the European encounters…

 

Solskjaer blunts Barca but Man Utd lack killer instinct

One brilliant Lionel Messi pass in the 12th minute is arguably the only reason we were not celebrating a superb Man Utd performance on Wednesday.

 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s 3-5-2 formation proved to be the perfect way to limit Barcelona’s attackers and probe – though cautiously – with their pace up front.

 

Following a nervy opening 20 minutes, using a back five allowed the United wing-backs to meet the Barca full-backs (the only opposition players providing width) as Luis Suarez was completely isolated against three centre-backs.

 

Philippe Coutinho and Messi played very narrowly, and so Solskjaer’s decision to pack the middle with bodies was vindicated.

 

Scott McTominay and Fred were outstanding, constantly first to the ball and controlling Barca’s midfield three with ease.

 

Paul Pogba pressed high at the tip of midfield to create a front three with Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford, who together pressed high up the pitch to put an error-prone Sergio Busquets under pressure.

 

This shape stopped Barca from building out, leading to Messi getting drowned out by Fred and McTominay.

 

However, United just could not find the final pass to create goalscoring opportunities, while that one understandable lapse of concentration from Luke Shaw given his unfamiliar position ultimately cost the hosts.

 

Credits: Goal.com