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22nd Feb 2023

Man United vs Barcelona: Player ratings and updates for Europa League clash

Robert Redmond

Man United host Barcelona in the Europa League last-32.

Manchester United take on FC Barcelona on Thursday evening at Old Trafford in the second leg of their Europa League last-32 tie.

The two sides played out a 2-2 draw in the first leg at Camp Nou last week, and the return leg promises to be as entertaining.

You can follow the match live in our hub below, where will we have updates about team news, big talking points from the game and player ratings. 

Man United vs Barcelona: TV details, player ratings and updates from the game.

In Ireland, you can watch Man United vs Barcelona on Virgin Media 2, with coverage starting at 7:40 pm ahead of kick-off at 8 pm.

In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on BT Sport 2.

Man United and Barcelona both come into the game in great form. The Red Devils have been revitalised under Erik ten Hag and are currently sitting in third place in the Premier League.

Over their last 10 games in the division, no side has accumulated more points (23 from 30). While Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez and David de Gea are all in excellent form.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are also enjoying a great spell. The Catalan side are top of La Liga and have only dropped seven points so far this season. They have also only conceded seven goals in the league.

Xavi’s team, however, will be without key players Gavi, who is suspended, while Pedri and Ousmane Dembélé are suspended for the game at Old Trafford. Anthony Martial will miss out through injury for United, but Harry Maguire and Antony are back in training.

Man United vs Barcelona: What did the managers say?

Erik ten Hag.

“We have to keep in the same mindset that every day we want to give a better version of ourselves so when you face such big teams as Barcelona you have to play your best otherwise you don’t have a chance.

“We have to give the best performance from this season and we believe [we can]. We all want to play big games, big matches – when we were young, we dreamed of it and we are now in that position.

“It’s still just February but big games are coming up – we are really excited and we have to give our best because we want to match the best.

“I’m totally excited about tomorrow. Two big, great teams facing each other at Old Trafford, it will be a massive atmosphere and great ambience – that is I think the best you can get.”

Xavi.

“Old Trafford motivates. It is one of those stadiums where you want to play at least once in your life, where you have to get the best out of yourself.

“We have to be brave, go all out for the game without complexes. It’s like at the Bernabéu, you have to be brave.

“And to be a great team you have to win at those grounds. And we want to be a great team. That’s how I see it.”

Man United vs Barcelona: What is the past history of this fixture?

Barcelona have the upper hand in this fixture, winning five of the last 11 matches between the two clubs.

Man United have won just once against Barca during that run of games, (1-0 at Old Trafford in April 2008 thanks to Paul Scholes’ goal).

Related links.

 

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