MX23RW : Thursday, March 16 17:56:32| >> :60:213:213:
[monks data]
Feb 16, 2023 at 5.45pm UK at Camp Nou
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.

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Manchester United
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