BARCELONA’S players believe Manchester United have improved since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid in 2009.

Argentina coach Diego Maradona has again called on referees to protect flair players such as Lionel Messi in the World Cup, urging officials to be even stricter with offending opponents.

Wayne Rooney wants Manchester United to sign a hit striker this summer to help boost their bid for trophies next season.

Manchester United 1 Zenit St Petersburg 2