Gerard Piqué says Barcelona must be wary of Rashford and Lukaku

Manchester United can attack via counterattacks

Gerard Piqué has warned his teammates that Manchester United are a threat on the counterattack in a press conference leading up to the two sides meeting in the UEFA Champions League this week.

“We will have the ball, or at least we will try. They will try to hit us on the counter with their pace and strength via Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku,” the defender said.

“We will have to be careful at set pieces, first to avoid them, and second to not concede if we do give fouls away.”

Barça are coming off a hugely important 2-0 win over Atlético Madrid.

“We are in good form, with the league title close, and in the final of the Copa del Rey. We are doing well, and we are excited, not under pressure. We want to take a good result back to Camp Nou, but Old Trafford is a ground where the fans get on top of you.”

Piqué left the Barcelona youth teams to join Manchester United in 2004, coming back four years later.

“When we got United [in the draw] I was excited. I have a special affection for them, and I hope things go well for them in the future. It’s a special game for me because it is where I became an adult. I learnt so much both on and off the field. When I came home I was a totally different person,” he said.

Piqué was a teammate of Ole Gunnar Solskjær, who is now the Red Devils’ coach, when he was at United.

“I was 17 and he was one of the veterans,” the Barcelona defender recalls. “He had problems with injuries, but you could see his quality in training. I’m glad to see him doing well as coach at Old Trafford, and it will be a tough match, but we hope we can win.”