'They don't depend on only Lewandowski' - Ex-Barcelona fullback Okunowo warns Man Utd

Former Barcelona fullback Gbenga Okunowo is confident that Barcelona will get the job done when they do battle with Manchester United in the standout fixture of the Europa League playoff first leg on Thursday. 

The retired Nigeria international faced the Red Devils during his time at Barcelona, logging the full ninety in a Champions League clash at the Camp Nou in November 1998, which ended in a 3-3 draw. 

Okunowo expects a difficult match against one of the big clubs in the Premier League but backed the Blaugrana to win.

"I am going to the Camp Nou today. From my own opinion Barcelona is doing very great at the moment but I expect Manchester United to come out fully because they need to win too," Okunowo told allnigeriasoccer.com.

"Barcelona will win the game but it won't be an easy game.

"It is going to be difficult for the two teams because this evening everybody in the world is watching, this game will be tough.

"Some few days ago, the English fans arrived Barcelona already. The players have to give their best this evening."

Okunowo dismissed suggestions that Barcelona is a one-man team, adding that the La Liga table toppers won't be too reliant on Robert Lewandowski as they aim for victory. 

The former Super Eagles star highlighted that Barcelona have quality players even on the bench who can make the difference. 

"Barcelona is a big team and don't depend on only one player, Robert Lewandowski or Frenkie de Jong because they are professionals and want the players to do their own job today.

"Even the players on the bench, they want them to be 100 percent good. The substitutes can come in and win the game for Barcelona," Okunowo concluded.

Manchester United are confident heading into the big game with twelve wins from a possible fifteen in all competitions since the season resumed after the World Cup break, while Barcelona are the form team in the top five European Leagues, winning six games on the bounce while conceding one goal. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : fcbarcelona.com

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