Neymar, the focus off the pitch as he weighs up an offer from Paris Saint-Germain, was once again the focus on it, too, his 32nd-minute goal the only one of the game.

The Brazilian also scored twice at the weekend in Barca's 2-1 debut International Champions Cup win against Juventus in New Jersey.

"Neymar was very happy, [he was] speaking with some friends from Manchester," Barca coach Valverde said in a news conference after the game amid continued questions about the forward's future.

"He's here with us, he's fine."

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar all impressed in a first half which saw David De Gea forced into six saves, with Messi also hitting the post.

However, United had their fair share of chances, too, with Jasper Cillessen, the only Barca player to complete the 90 minutes, making a number of saves in both halves.

"We are happy with the game [and] to have won against a side like Manchester, who have a lot of strength," Valverde added. "I think the first half was played with a high rhythm; there were lots of chances at both ends, so in the second half we tried to control the game.

"I view Manchester United as a tough, serious team, a team that, perhaps have not been in a good moment, but they were champions of the Europa League [last season] and are back in the Champions League this year.

"They're a strong team, contenders for all competitions, I think they will be a difficult team to beat in the Premier League and in Europe. I wouldn't like to play them in the Champions League."

Valverde also confirmed that he had to take Sergi Roberto off in the second half because of an injury, with the midfielder due to undergo tests to determine the nature of the problem.