Aftermath of Barcelona-Loss: Man United must 'aspire to Barcelona level' - Manager Solskjaer

Manchester United Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - Getty

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said his side must "aspire to Barcelona's level" after their Champions League quarter-final defeat.


Lionel Messi inspired Barca to a 3-0 win in Tuesday's second leg at the Nou Camp, sealing a 4-0 aggregate victory.

"If we want to get back to Manchester United's true level, true traditions, we have to challenge Barcelona," said Solskjaer.

"They were a couple of levels above over the two games."

Messi scored two goals in four first-half minutes, with Philippe Coutinho adding a stunning long-range third in the 61st minute.

United struggled to contain their opponents and had just three shots on target over the two legs.

Speaking to BT Sport, Solskjaer added: "Lionel Messi is top quality and he was the difference, of course. At 2-0 straight after, it was game over. Messi showed his quality."

Man United are sixth in the table, two points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, and travel to Everton on Sunday before hosting title-chasing Manchester City on Wednesday, 24 April.

United have not reached the last four of the Champions League since 2011.

Solskjaer said he knows there is "work to be done".

"The next few years will be massive for us to get to the level of Barcelona," Solskjaer said.

"We have got a rebuilding job but that starts with the coaches and the players and one or two additions to the squad will happen in the summer."