Manchester United Manager, Jose Mourinho, says the Red Devils are far from the level of the Catalan giants after Neymar’s goal separated both teams in the pre-season friendly at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, USA.
The Portuguese also noted that pre-season matches against star-studded Real Madrid and Barcelona were good preparation for the rigours of the Premier League.
With a goal from Brazilian striker Neymar, Barcelona defeated Manchester United 1-0 on Wednesday, handing the Red Devils the first defeat of their US Tour.
United beat Real Madrid via a penalty shootout after the teams drew 1-1 in their International Champions Cup friendly match.
Sheer talent
In terms of sheer talent, Mourinho acknowledged, Real Madrid and Barcelona have the edge.
“I think at this time, the best players are in these two clubs,” he said.
“We have to accept that as a reality. For us to play against both in a pre-season without any kind of pressure was very good for us.
“Both played with their best team — (it’s) very, very good for us to measure against them.
“There is only one (Lionel) Messi. There is only one Neymar. You can work very hard tactically to try to improve your team, but there are players who are special. Even as an opponent on the bench, it’s great to see their relationship with the ball,” he said.
Mourinho, however, stated that only Frenchman Paul Pogba in the United squad “showed that he had this level”.
Nevertheless, Mourinho said he departs the US confident that his team have the qualities needed to thrive in the upcoming Premier League campaign.
“We prefer to compare with the teams we play weekly in the Premier League. And we’re much more prepared for that very hard competition, which is a competition with a different style, with a different kind of players,” he said.
