Man United star Smalling finally opens up on Messi tackle after Champions League defeat

Chris Smalling has lauded Manchester United's physical intensity that kept Barcelona at bay during the first leg of their Champions League quarter finals clash played at Old Trafford.

Luke Shaw's first half own goal off Luis Suarez's header was the difference as the visitors earned a 1-0 victory away from home.

Barcelona's dangerman Lionel Messi was kept at an arm's length through the match, with United's physicality typified by Smalling's challenge on the Argentinian that left him with a bloodied nose.

"I think it [the challenge] came when we were right on the front foot," he told BT Sport. We had to bring the intensity they're not used to every week and there's a lot to play for in second leg ."

Meanwhile, the Red Devils has everything to play for ahead of the second leg in a week's time at Camp Nou.

They will be hoping to stage another comeback as they did against Paris Saint-Germain in March in the round of 16 of the competition.