With Manchester United playing Stoke at the weekend, Mundo Deportivo used the clash as an excuse to catch up with former Barcelona defender Marc Muniesa, currently at Stoke.
Arriving on a free transfer from the La Liga champions in 2013, the 24-year-old centre-back has never quite managed to dislodge Ryan Shawcross and whoever has been put next to him by Mark Hughes (and Glen Johnson in their new three at the back formation).
Last year saw the Spaniard sit out more than half the season as Philipp Wollscheid partnered the former Manchester United defender, and the arrival of Bruno Martins-Indi to replace the German (on loan at Wolfsburg) hasn’t helped Muniesa in the slightest.
Despite this, the former Barcelona man still had a lot to say about the upcoming clash against José Mourinho’s side.
Praising the Portuguese manager for turning Manchester United’ form around after a slow start to the season, the defender was also asked if he was scared of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
He said: “No (laughs). Not him or any other striker, but we have a lot of respect for him because he has scored 17 or 18 goals and no one thought he would continue to perform at such a level at 35.”
Muniesa also analysed how best to hurt the Red Devils, who have shown some frailties at the back from time to time, despite the surprise pairing of Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones far surpassing expectations.
He explained: “By defending well, and playing on the counter by exploiting the spaces left by the full-backs. Also the space behind Rojo and Jones, who are somewhat vulnerable in defensive transitions. If we play well, that’s where we can create danger.”
Marc Muniesa has made six appearances for Stoke’s first-team this season, scoring one goal, in a 2-0 win over Burnley.
