Isak better hope Barca weren’t watching his Man Utd horror show

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 3 Jun 2021 16:01 BST
• 2 min read

Barcelona transfer target Aleksander Isak could scarcely have timed his miserable performance in a 0-0 draw against Manchester United any worse.

Isak has been in prolific form for the Primera Division outfit in recent weeks, leading to links with Barca or perhaps even a move to Borussia Dortmund, who still hold a buy-back option on him.

However, just as the 21-year-old has been beginning to catch the eye, he was in absolutely wretched form at Old Trafford. It was a game he will hope the scouts missed.

Isak’s side were chasing a 4-0 deficit following a first-leg loss last week in Turin, but the Sweden international did absolutely nothing to make his side believe they were capable of turning it around.

Over the course of the 45 minutes he played, Isak touched the ball only nine times. That is fewer than anyone else on the field, with the exception of Manchester United substitute Shola Shoretire, who still managed five touches in less than quarter of an hour.

Alexander Isak vs Man Utd

Indeed, Jon Guridi, who came on for the final 18 minutes for the visitors, was more than twice as involved as the former Borussia Dortmund forward.

With the ball, Isak completed two of three passes he attempted, including one into the final third, but he lost possession on five occasions, won only one of five duels he contested and one of three headers he challenged for.

He was scarcely more impressive in the first leg.

Barcelona and Dortmund have had their interested piqued, however, by Isak’s form in La Liga. He has scored seven times in his last four league outings, though these elite teams will be turned off if he performs so poorly against the likes of Man Utd.