Andrew Cole urges Man United to adopt a fearless approach to the Champions League clash with Barcelona

Andrew Cole told Manchester United that one should not be afraid of facing Barcelona in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

Cole scored a memorable goal for United against the Catalan giants on their way to European glory 20 years ago, joining Dwight Yorke in a spectacular move that opened Barca's defense at full speed.

United has doubled three to three times with La Liga in this year's Champions League group stage, and Cole was inspired by those memories when United was asked to come closer. of the meeting.

Andrew Cole believes Manchester United should play without fear against Barcelona

"Go and do the same thing," Cole said. & # 39; Go and enjoy it. We knew we were a very good team and Barcelona was a very good team.

"But we have not shown any fear there. Many teams go out there and show a little fear. They had fantastic players but we too.

"We went to play football. They did the same thing. This season, both games ended with a 3-3 record, which taught you everything about both teams.

"We were respectful, but we both tried to fight. But six goals in each match say a lot about two teams trying to play offensive and attractive football. & # 39;

Bayern Munich and United advanced in the group ahead of Barca. The first two teams met in Barcelona for the final.

It is here that United's new manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, scored the winner's goal of the time off.

Man United ambbadador Andrew Cole shakes hands with his counterpart Eric Abidal in front of the European Cup in the draw for the quarter-finals of the Champions League in March

Solskjaer had replaced Cole in the 83rd minute but he insisted that he had never been jealous of the defining moment of his former teammate.

& # 39; It was asked me this question a few times & # 39; Were you disappointed to have scored Ole? & # 39; he said.

& # 39; Why would I be? We won the European Cup! I had the chance to score in the semifinals to lead us to the finals of the European Cup. For me, that did not make any difference.

United are second favorites against Barca on this occasion but do not worry Cole, who said he beat Paris St Germain against all odds in the previous round.

"I called him before," he said, pulling Barca off the hat. "I told one of the guys," We are going to have Barcelona ". It's a strange thing, it's fate, it's been 20 years and then we get Barcelona. I knew it would happen.

"Everything is possible in football matches. United has proved that against PSG and, yes, they will have to play extremely well because they have a little mischievous genius in (Lionel) Messi.

"I've been watching him closely for many years and I'm looking at him now and I think he's getting better as he gets older." If he has a night off or is injured or whatever, you never know what can happen.