Ahead of Manchester United’s trip to face Basel in the Champions League, the Swiss side’s experienced midfielder Scott Chipperfield has warned the Red Devils about Xherdan Shaqiri, who he says reminds him of Lionel Messi.

 

United must avoid defeat in Switzerland to book their place in the Round of 16, while for Basel, beating the English champions would see them qualify at the visitors’ expense.

 

The earlier group stage clash between the two ended 3-3 at Old Trafford, with Basel counting themselves extremely unlucky not to win the match.

 

On that occasion however, Basel did not have talented winger-cum-forward Shaqiri.

 

"He’s a confident player", Chipperfield told United’s official site.

 

"He’s only small, but that can be deceiving – he’s solid and strong. He’s only young but he has very quick feet.

 

"Sometimes he reminds me a little of Messi, the way he dribbles. He’s naturally left-footed, but he also likes playing on the right where he can cut inside and shoot.

 

"He can also play at left back and does a very good job there.

 

"He’s a very good player and I think he’ll go on to play for a much bigger club in future. He’s a big player for us, but I don’t know how long Basel will be able to hand onto him for."

 

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