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Messi after Mbappe for Smalling but Man Utd 'cheered' Barcelona Champions League draw

The Red Devils defender is looking forward to testing himself against another of the world's best in the quarter-finals of elite European competition

Chris Smalling claims to be relishing the prospect of facing Lionel Messi in the Champions League quarter-finals, with Manchester United having “cheered” their draw against Barcelona.

The Red Devils are readying themselves for another epic European encounter having disposed of Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16.

That contest pitted Smalling and Co against the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria, but they are delighted to be facing more global superstars in the last eight.