Solskjaer backs Barcelona to win Champions League

Barcelona, April 17: Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Barcelona will win the Champions League this season.

Solskjaer's United were bundled out by Barca in the quarter-finals after Lionel Messi's brace secured a 3-0 second-leg victory on Tuesday (April 16).

Philippe Coutinho's long-range stunner following the interval sealed a 4-0 aggregate success and kept Barca's treble hopes alive.

Asked about Barca's Champions League chances ahead of a semi-final against either Liverpool or Porto, Solskjaer told reporters: "I think Barcelona will win yeah.

"With the quality they have in the front three. They've got [Ousmane] Dembele and Malcom, players there to put on.

"I wouldn't bet against them, even though I don't bet. But for me they will be favourites to win the whole tournament."

United's attention will now turn to securing a top-four spot in the Premier League.

With five matches remaining, United are sixth and two points adrift of fourth-placed Arsenal in the race for Champions League qualification.

United will travel to Everton on Sunday before hosting champions Manchester City (April 24) and Chelsea (April 28) in back-to-back blockbusters at Old Trafford.