Johan Cruyff believes in the world of football only Barcelona and Arsenal do not have to adapt to their opposition, however, when Arsenal play the Spaniards they are forced to.

Speaking to the Dutch press, the 42-year-old son of legend, Johan, was defending the Ajax manager’s decision to play with five at the back in their recent Champions League qualifier against PAOK Salonik which they won 3-1.

“Let me put it this way, there are today very few clubs in the world who never have to adapt. Arsenal and FC Barcelona,” Cruyff said.

“But once those two play against each other, you see that Arsenal adapts.”

Cruyff spent four years with Manchester United, making a total of 58 appearances and scoring eight goals before he moved on to Celta Vigo on loan and then Deportivo Alaves in a permanent move.

He is currently the sporting director of Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel, a job he’s held for as long as he was with United.