LANDOVER, Md. -- Barcelona picked up their second straight International Champions Cup win on Wednesday, beating Manchester United 1-0 thanks to another goal from Neymar. Here are five things we can glean from Ernesto Valverde's second game in charge...
1. "Nothing new in relation to Neymar"
On and off the pitch, Barca's tour of the United States has been all about Neymar. Nothing new there, then, and nothing new in regards to the offer he received from Paris Saint-Germain, according to Barca coach Valverde.
Neymar dazzled against Juventus at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, but it was his link-up play with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez that stood out against United Wednesday night at FedEx Field. The three South American internationals gave United problem after problem in an exhilarating first half, with the Brazilian netting the only goal of the game and his third of the ICC.
As the final whistle blew, however, thoughts again returned to his future. Barca moved on to Miami on Thursday, and Neymar may speak at an event on Friday. The Blaugrana then play Real Madrid on Saturday before flying back to Spain. Neymar, for his part, may head to Asia for more promotional events, where he will have another chance to state whether he will move to PSG or not.
The world is waiting.
2. Barca can win ICC by beating Madrid
While Barca's every move has been followed by discussions about Neymar, Josep Maria Bartomeu will otherwise be happy with how things have gone for the club. They've held a number of events in both New York and Washington (with more to come in Miami), and Bartomeu even got to meet former president Barack Obama on Wednesday.
The Barca brand has been significantly boosted and has been well-represented on the pitch, too. The early stages of the Valverde era have been positive, with Messi and Co. looking hungry, pressing high and generally (for 45 minutes in each game, at least) playing very good football. They've beaten the two opponents they've faced so far, and a win against Real Madrid on Saturday will see them crowned ICC champions.
3. The Sergi Roberto dilemma
Sources have told ESPN FC that Chelsea are interested in signing Sergi Roberto, although the club has not yet made an offer. The midfielder would be available for his €40 million buyout clause, which seems criminally cheap in this market.
Roberto could face a tough decision if Chelsea does come calling, given Valverde is currently grappling with where to play the Spanish midfielder. The Barca coach says his versatility is a huge positive, but the player may feel differently.
He played as an interior midfielder against Juve, but took on Sergio Busquets' role against United. While he could still be considered as an option at right-back, the arrival of Nelson Semedo makes such a transition unlikely. The player himself says he prefers to play in the middle, but is he going to get enough minutes there?
Versatility is one thing. Nailing down a place is another.
4. Alena taking his opportunities
After impressing in the second half against Juventus, teenage midfielder Carles Alena was handed a start against United, replacing Andres Iniesta in what would otherwise have been Barca's first-choice front six.
"To start along with Messi, Neymar and Suarez is a dream come true," he said after the game. "I love playing with them. They make everything easier. Ernesto [Valverde] is happy with me. I know I'm a B team player, but I will try to take advantage of the opportunities he gives me."
He certainly took advantage of his opportunity midweek, producing a very Barca-like performance. Signing Philippe Coutinho would not be good for his progression.
5. United are still way behind Barca
Although Valverde said that he'd like to avoid United in the Champions League this season, he was surely just being nice. Jose Mourinho's analysis was much closer to the truth: The United coach asserted that the only player on his side who measures up with Barca is Paul Pogba.
"We prefer not to compare with [Barca and Real Madrid]," Mourinho said in his news conference after Wednesday's game. "[Barca's] parts are amazing, their relation with the ball is amazing. It's beautiful to see but I have to say, one of my players today, Paul Pogba, he showed the level. He showed that he belongs to that level."
United are much further into their preseason than Barca, who had played just once before Wednesday. However, as Mourinho said, the quality of Neymar, Messi and Suarez proved too much for his side to handle. Despite United's spending over the past few years, there's still plenty of work to be done at Old Trafford before Mourinho's squad can match Europe's elite.