Chris Smalling insists he relishes the challenge of taking on Lionel Messi as Manchester United prepare to welcome Barcelona to Old Trafford on Wednesday night.
United are the underdogs for the Champions quarter-final tie against Barcelona, with Messi in particular being tipped to wreak havoc on the Red Devils defence.
Smalling has nailed down a starting place under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but United’s defence have often been accused of switching off this season. But Malling is looking forward to to testing his skills against Messi, a man many consider the best player in the world.
‘It’s something to relish, this season I’ve been lucky enough to face (Cristiano) Ronaldo, (Kylian) Mbappe, they’re all challenges I relish and the players relish,’ Smalling said. ‘I say bring it on.’
While Smalling is exuding confidence, Solskjaer admitted it was near impossible for United to stop Messi. ‘What kind of plan can you have to stop one of the best players in the world?’ Solskjaer said.
