With Paul Pogba failing to impact the game, United was left trying to hit Barca on the break or from set-pieces. It lacked precision too often and failed to make the most of the few openings that fell its way. The crucial away goal was well-worked. Sergio Busquets found Lionel Messi with a clever ball into the area. The Argentine carved out space and delivered a lofted cross to former Liverpool striker Suarez at the back post.

The Uruguayan’s header deflected off the shoulder of a scrambling Shaw and beat David De Gea. That give the visitor the lead and although the linesman initially flagged for offside, the goal was given after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review. United had De Gea to thank for keeping the difference down to a single goal as he superbly saved a Philippe Coutinho shot with his feet in the 36th minute.

Then, the home side had a penalty appeal waved away after Scott McTominay went down under a challenge from Gerard Pique. United’s best chance of the first half fell to Diogo Dalot, but the Portuguese made a mess of a fine Marcus Rashford ball, heading harmlessly across goal from close range.

Solskjaer’s team struggled to get a foothold during the opening 45 minutes, but it was much improved after the break, applying plenty of pressure without creating any clear chances. Barcelona could have added a second had Suarez, who was set up by Nelson Semedo, not fired into the side-netting from a promising position.