Manchester United vs Barcelona: Ernesto Valverde gives verdict on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side ahead of “classic” Champions League tie

The Norwegian witnessed Lionel Messi help down Atletico Madrid to all but secure a fourth La Liga title in five seasons ahead of next week’s meeting

Ernesto Valverde has given his verdict on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United ahead of this week’s “classic” Champions League quarter-final between the two European giants.

Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 2-0 on Saturday night to virtually seal a fourth La Liga title in five years, allowing them to turn their focus to continental competition.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, alongside assistant Mike Phelan, was in attendance as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez dazzled.

And Valverde, when asked for his views on this week’s opponent, was respectful in describing Solskjaer’s side, who currently sit sixth in the Premier League.

“[They] are very good tactically, strategically,” Valverde said.

“They are physically powerful and in good rhythm, even though they have lost a few games recently.

“Barcelona have never beaten Manchester United at Old Trafford either. It’s a classic game of European football.”

United’s recent dip in form has seen them lose three of their four games since mounting the remarkable second-leg comeback against Paris Saint-Germain that secured them the tie with Barca.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer takes note as Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid (AFP/Getty ) (AFP/Getty)

Their only win in that period was an unimpressive performance in which they snuck past Watford at Vicarage Road.