If you thought the first leg between Manchester United and Barcelona was a spectacle, then buckle up for another feast of football at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
With away goals no longer in play, it’s all or nothing as these two football giants go head-to-head in the second leg of the Europa League knockout round playoff tie, following their 2-2 draw in Spain last week.
Barcelona is on track to clinch their first La Liga title since the departure of Lionel Messi, while Erik ten Hag has steered Manchester United back into the Champions League places, snapping on the heels of Manchester City and Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.
A Europa League title would be a nice bonus for either side, but both teams have their sights set much higher. This game is a chance to showcase to the world that they are back and mean business once again.
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When it comes to European football at Old Trafford, Manchester United boasts an impressive record, losing only two of their last 11 games (W6 D3). However, those defeats came at the hands of Spanish opposition in Atlético Madrid and Real Sociedad, both by a narrow margin.
Recent form favors Barcelona, who remain unbeaten in their last three matches against Manchester United (W2 D1 L0), having outscored the English side 6-2 during this run. The Red Devils, on the other hand, are searching for their first victory against the Catalan giants since April 2019.
Barcelona has faced Manchester United five times in European competition, failing to win in the first four encounters (D2 L2). However, they clinched a crucial 1-0 victory on their most recent trip to Old Trafford in April 2019 (UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg) before proceeding to dominate United at Camp Nou, courtesy of a couple of goals from the incomparable Messi.
All roads lead to Old Trafford on Thursday night, as two footballing titans lock horns in what promises to be an enthralling contest.
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Will Barcelona continue their unbeaten run against Manchester United, or will the Red Devils emerge victorious on their home turf and take a step closer to European glory? Only time will tell.
Man United: Marcus Rashford ( 6 goals in last 5 appearances), Bruno Fernandes (1 goal and 2 assists in last 5 appearances)
Barcelona: Robert Lewandowski (3 goals in last 5 appearances), Raphinha (3 goals and 2 assists in last 5 appearances)
Barcelona’s midfield will be significantly weakened for this crucial game, with Pedri injured and Gavi suspended. Sergio Busquets, returning from an ankle injury, may not be fit enough to play the entire match, while Ousmane Dembele could miss out despite returning to training.
Meanwhile, United will be without a few key players, including Antony, Christian Eriksen, Donny van de Beek, Harry Maguire, and Anthony Martial. Casemiro’s suspension in the Premier League has afforded him some much-needed rest, but the Brazilian midfielder is expected to feature against a team he has faced 13 times with Real Madrid.
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