MARYLAND: Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said on Thursday that he would prefer not to face Manchester United in the UEFA champions league next season. Speaking to a press conference after his team’s 1-0 win over United in International Champions Cup (ICC) in the United States (US), Valverde lauded the toughness and rhythm of the red devils adding that Barca would want to avoid them in the upcoming season. “They’re a strong team, contenders for all competitions, I think they will be a difficult team to beat in the Premier League and in Europe. I wouldn’t like to play them in the Champions League,” said Valverde. The 53-year-old also expressed his satisfaction over his team’s performance against the Old Trafford based club saying that winning against a tough opponent like United is always vital. “We are happy with the game and to have won against a side like Manchester, who have a lot of strength,” he said. When asked about Neymar, who has been linked heavily to French club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Valverde said that the Brazilian is happy and focused at the club. “Neymar is very happy, he was speaking with some friends from Manchester. He’s here with us, he’s fine,” said Ernesto. Barcelona face arch-rivals Real Madrid in ICC pre-season clasico on Saturday, as they look to continue their winning run.