Mikael Silvestre has claimed the Nou Camp crowd could play a huge part in Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Barcelona on Thursday but has tipped Marcus Rashford to make his mark.
Rashford has been in inspired form since the World Cup having netted 13 times post-pause, with his header against Leeds in Sunday’s 2-0 win taking his season tally to 21.
United travel to the Nou Camp on Thursday for the play-off first leg against Barcelona before the second leg at Old Trafford seven days later.
READ MORE: Rashford's teammates know what they must do vs Barcelona
The La Liga leaders have conceded just seven times in 21 league games this season and Silvestre reckons Rashford will find it harder to find chances against them compared to Premier League sides, albeit still backs the forward to cause problems.
"Rashford has to continue to be efficient as he's not going to get more opportunities as he usually has in the Premier League, for example,” the former United defender told the Manchester Evening News, courtesy of bettingexpert.com.
"Having said that, he's in top form so take the chances as soon as they come. He's been good coming from behind, he's been good in space. I think the variety of his game makes him kind of unpredictable, so for any defender it's tough to defend against Marcus."
Silvestre has experienced playing at the Nou Camp himself having played there for Arsenal against the Spaniards in 2010. Rashford has also played at the Nou Camp before but it will be the first time some of his colleagues will be experiencing the famous stadium.
Silvestre sent these players a warning message, saying: “The crowd at Camp Nou is crazy and the fans are so loud. It's impossible to hear your own teammates even though they are standing only 15 metres away from you. It's very hard to play when you can't communicate with your teammates.
“Of course, you can move, make signs and do everything but the sound is completely gone and that is a big advantage for Barcelona. It is a massive stadium and the twelfth man will make it very difficult for you.”
Barcelona are set to be without the injured Sergio Busquets and Ousmane Dembele. Meanwhile, United will be without the suspended Marcel Sabitzer and Lisandro Martinez.
Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are still recovering from long-term setbacks while Anthony Martial, Antony and Scott McTominay are all doubts. Casemiro is eligible to play despite his Premier League ban.
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