MX23RW : Thursday, November 7 19:10:02| >> :60:735:735:
[monks data]
Barcelona logo
Europa League | Knockout Round Playoffs | 1st Leg
Feb 16, 2023 at 5.45pm UK
Camp Nou
Manchester United logo

Barcelona
2 - 2
Man Utd

Alonso (50'), Raphinha (76')
Alba (30'), Gavi (73')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Rashford (52'), Kounde (59' og.)
Varane (43'), Casemiro (65'), ten Hag (66'), Malacia (72')

Erik ten Hag relishing Barcelona "test" in Europa League

Erik ten Hag relishing Barcelona
© Reuters
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag says that he is looking forward to "a good test" against Barcelona in the Europa League knockout round playoffs.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that he is looking forward to "a good test" against Barcelona in the Europa League.

The Red Devils arrived in Spain on Wednesday afternoon, with the first leg of the knockout round playoff set to take place at Camp Nou on Thursday, before the second leg at Old Trafford next week.

Man United will head into the match in strong form, having won five of their last six matches in all competitions, but Barcelona have been victorious in each of their last 11 games.

Ten Hag has said that the two teams have ambitions of advancing deep into the Champions League, but "both clubs needed a reset" following difficult periods.

"I think it's good. Both clubs are in the Europa League and I think both clubs have the ambition to be in the Champions League," Ten Hag told reporters.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag pictured on December 31, 2022© Reuters

"Not to just be in the Champions League but they want to really [have an] impact in the Champions League, going beyond the group stage, after the winter, going into the semi-finals and final, and winning it.

"The reality is we're in the Europa League, it tells you both clubs needed a reset. I think we're both in the right direction so I think it's exciting to face each other tomorrow night. It will help both clubs to know where you are. It's a good test. You get challenged from such tests and you get better.

"I like it and I was here before in Spain for Real Madrid and Valencia. But I think it is great to face Barcelona.

"I like the philosophy of this club, and that is the football that brings up so many good players and big teams. We are really looking forward to facing them.

Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele celebrates scoring against Real Sociedad on January 25, 2023© Reuters

"It's clear when you see the stats of Barcelona, it's impressive. They defend well but I think their biggest skill is they have so much possession. When you have the ball, the opponent cannot score.

"I think what is true, the Premier League is high, intense football, but I also think La Liga is a strong league. It's also high, intense, so I don't think it will be a big difference between the two teams."

Man United are without a number of first-team regulars for the contest, including Lisandro Martinez, who will sit the match out through suspension.

On-loan Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer is also suspended, while Donny van de Beek, Christian Eriksen, Anthony Martial, Antony and Scott McTominay are absent due to injury problems.

Barcelona, meanwhile, will be missing both Ousmane Dembele and Sergio Busquets through injury.

ID:506745:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4769:No Data Analysis info

Click here for more stories about Sergio Busquets

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Game History

How you voted: Barcelona vs Man Utd

Barcelona
47.9%
Draw
17.5%
Manchester United
34.6%
864
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes celebrates scoring against Crystal Palace on February 4, 2023
Read Next:
Manchester United name travelling squad for Barcelona contest
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS

League Phase

TeamPWDLPTS
1Lazio33009
2Spurs33009
3Anderlecht33009
4Ajax32107
5Frankfurt32107
6Midtjylland32107
7Galatasaray32107
8Bodo/Glimt32107
9Lyon32016
10Rangers32016
11Besiktas42026
12Olympiacos32016
13FCSB32016
14Fenerbahce31205
15Porto31114
16Slavia Prague31114
17Real Sociedad31114
18Roma31114
19Hoffenheim31114
20AZ31023
21Man Utd30303
22Plzen30303
23Ferencvaros31023
24Elfsborg31023
25Braga31023
26Malmo41033
27FC Twente30212
28Union SG30121
29PAOK30121
30Ludogorets30121
31Nice30121
32RFS30121
33Athletic Club00000
34M. Tel Aviv30030
35Dynamo Kiev30030
36Qarabag30030


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!