By Daniel Zeqiri
Manchester United are preventing on 4 fronts and tonight’s Europa League play-off second leg in opposition to Barcelona could possibly be the beginning of an exhilarating 10 days for the membership’s supporters.
United are favourites to advance to the last-16 after an exhilarating 2-2 draw within the Nou Camp, after they created the higher possibilities in opposition to the La Liga leaders. On Sunday, they play Newcastle United within the Carabao Cup closing at Wembley for the prospect to win their first main silverware since 2017. The next Sunday, they play their subsequent Premier League match away at rivals Liverpool after they may increase their burgeoning title credentials (although leaders Arsenal do play thrice earlier than then).
Their trigger this night is helped by the truth that Barcelona’s pair of younger midfield skills, Pedri and Gavi, are dominated out with damage. Sergio Busquets is a really achieved and skilled participant to step in, however could possibly be discovered wanting if United expose his ageing legs to quick assaults. Barcelona have regarded the true deal domestically, each on the pitch and statistically, however United reduce by way of them with ease within the away leg. Xavi used Marcos Alonso as a left-sided centre-back in that recreation, which is definitely asking for hassle at Previous Trafford.
Marcus Rashford continued his flying type with targets in opposition to Leicester on Sunday, and he’s the participant Barcelona should stifle if they’re to face any likelihood of development. With Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha within the ahead line, Barcelona carry aim menace however it feels as if the wind is in United’s sails and Erik ten Hag made a degree of energising the gang for an enormous European evening.
“It is going to be a really tough recreation, Manchester United are among the finest groups in Europe at the moment and so they’re displaying it each recreation,” stated Xavi.
“(Supervisor Erik) Ten Hag is doing a fantastic job. They’re a group that present depth, mentality, ardour, rhythm… we might want to match them in each degree, to point out character and be loyal to our type.
“Above all, we’d like the carry the mentality to compete in Europe. We are able to say that Manchester United have returned and they’re enjoying their finest soccer in a few years. It’s a good alternative to point out that Barca may compete.”
Full group information on the best way shortly.
