Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes his side’s last 32 Europa League clash against Barcelona would have been worthy of the final itself.

United have enjoyed a resurgence under their Dutch boss, who took charge ahead of this season.

They now travel to Spain for Thursday’s first-leg tie against LaLiga leaders Barcelona in third place in the Premier League, five points behind table-toppers Arsenal but having played two games more than the Gunners.

Both Barcelona and United have rich European histories, with eight European Cup and Champions League titles between them, in addition to other continental trophies.

"We are looking forward (to it), it (takes) a lot of energy searching for that finish, and it will be a great game.

“Hopefully, everyone is fit for Barcelona and for us. So we see a game (that will be played) at the highest level.”

He also paid tribute to Barcelona counterpart Xavi, saying he had been a fan since his playing days.

“As a player, I admire (Xavi),” added Ten Hag. “Barcelona, the way (they) played with him… he was such an important part of the team, you can see that (with) the philosophy he now brings, (this) is his Barcelona.

“I really like his team, the attacking way of play. I think he is (heading) in the right direction. I think it’s going to be a good challenge between Manchester United and Barcelona.”

Lisandro Martinez and the on-loan Marcel Sabitzer are suspended for the first leg, but Casemiro is available as his current ban only applies to domestic fixtures.

But Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay are set to miss the match through injury having missed training on Wednesday.

Man U to be humbled by Barca.

Barca my love, I wish you guys a successful outing tonight.

Up Man Utd

GGMU

Man 2
: Barca 2

Nothing last forever Barcelona now playing Europe league 😆 instead of champions league they are know for

I see Manchester United scaling through to the next round at the expense of Barcelona.

This I have seen.

Haa!!!!!
Today is Man U circumcision.

Do I hear Ten - 0?

If you know, you know

Barca 2 0 United and urchins

Make una collect your PVC. Election is coming.

englishmart:
Once Barca wins this match, I will win 750k. I don't want to cash out 300k

Lol. You're expecting someone to ask you how, right? Then you'll now ask them to PM and scam them. We know the format.

Inside life a few years back ManU v Barcelona would have been a blockbuster champions league match.

Nothing truly last forever

wotorwotor for man u body... ta ta ta for the doggy

I have bet on them on simulation league and real league, hope they won't make me lose all my money

Rooting for a Barca win

Anoza one

Alright

Who is going to man mark that 'Gavi' that boy na 🔥

If Manu see draw, fine.


Goal Goal go dey there.

Wotoporiously speaking

Two championship teams 🤣🤣

Draw soup loading

MAN U

The match go sweet ooo Your Messi vs Young CR7 back then

Mumu United na regular customer, dem go learn football tonight.

Man u to chop am wotowoto

Go UNITED

Thunder strike Emefiele white hairy 🏀 ⚽️

Before Manchester united defeat, Man U fans have already started giving unnecessary excuse.

Who cares whether the mids below are playing or not.

Let both get knocked out together