The first-leg at Camp Nou lived up to the expectations, with both teams playing out an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Manchester United will hope to complete the job by securing a famous victory over Barcelona in the knockout round of Europa League playoff tie. The first-leg at Camp Nou lived up to the expectations, with both teams playing out an entertaining 2-2 draw. That reverse leg last week had everything – end to end action, goal mouth scramble, wonder saves and much more. It was not only a treat for both supporters, but neutral fans would have enjoyed it too. If they play anything like that again on Thursday night then both sets of supporters are in for a treat yet again.
The draw was a fair result at Camp Nou. Both sides would feel that they could have won the match, considering the plethora of chances that fell to them over the course of the 90 minutes. In the end though the draw was the right result. Come Thursday night, these two teams will be quietly confident of getting the job done at Old Trafford. Manchester United might be the home side but that will not put away Barcelona who are capable of beating any side anywhere.
Read More – Manchester United vs Barcelona: Records, Stats, Goals at Old Trafford, Head to Head & everything to know
Both teams will also be heading into this game on the back of impressive domestic form. Barcelona maintained their winning momentum at the weekend in La Liga to be placed at the top of the pile with 59 points from 22 matches. They are eight points ahead of defending champions Real Madrid, who are occupying the second spot. Meanwhile, Manchester United overcame early wobbles to trounce Leicester City 3-0 at the weekend. Erik ten Hag’s side have 49 points from 24 games to be placed third in the Premier League table – only five points behind leaders Arsenal.
There are good and bad news both sides have to deal with ahead of this fixture. Manchester United will welcome Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer following the suspension they served in the first leg last week. Ten Hag is also optimistic about Antony and Harry Maguire being fit for this contest. It is not clear though if either of them would start this match. However, Anthony Martial, Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek complete their absentee list.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have big problems to deal with. Their magnificent midfield duo of Gavi and Pedri will miss this game. Gavi will be suspended, while Pedri’s hamstring injury should ideally keep him out of contention. Ousmane Dembele will join him on the sidelines. However, on a positive news, Sergio Busquets could recover in time for a start in this game.
Manchester United possible line-up: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Casemiro, Sabitzer, Fred, Fernandes, Sancho, Rashford
Barcelona possible line-up: Ter Stegen, Kounde, Araujo, Garcia, Alonso, Busquets, De Jong, Kessie, Raphinha, Torres, Lewandowski
Manchester United
Opponents | Score |
Leicester City | 3-0 (W) |
Barcelona | 2-2 (D) |
Leeds | 0-2 (W) |
Leeds | 2-2 (D) |
Crystal Palace | 2-1 (W) |
Barcelona
Opponents | Score |
Cadiz | 2-0 (W) |
Manchester United | 2-2 (D) |
Villarreal | 0-1 (W) |
Sevilla | 3-0 (W) |
Real Betis | 1-2 (W) |
Last 5 matches (all competitions) | Results |
Barcelona draw Manchester United | 2-2 |
Barcelona beat Manchester United | 3-0 |
Manchester United lose to Barcelona | 0-1 |
Barcelona beat Manchester United | 1-0 |
Barcelona lose to Manchester United | 1-3 |
The UEFA Europa League match between Manchester United and Barcelona will take place at Old Trafford on Friday at 1:30 am IST.
For football fans in India, live coverage of the UEFA Europa League matches will be available on the Sony Sports network. Besides, fans can also live stream the matches via Jio TV. Meanwhile, those in the United Kingdom can catch the live action between Manchester United and Barcelona on BTSport.com, BT Sport App, BBC Radio 5 Live, BT Sport 2, BT Sport Ultimate; and Movistar Liga de Campeones, Movistar+ in Spain.