In the ongoing Europa League, Manchester United knocked Barcelona out of the tournament with a marvelous 2-1 win at Old Trafford. In the second half, Erik ten Hag’s team came from behind to book their name in the last-16 list, all thanks to Fred and Anthony.
In the first-half Robert Lewandowski’s penalty provided Barcelona a good lead, but after losing the tie 4-3 on aggregate, the Spanish players were left with the way to focus on their LaLiga and Copa del Rey campaigns.
United, meanwhile, are still in four competitions and head to Wembley for the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United on Sunday on a high.
Meanwhile, there were fascinating duels all over the pitch — Casemiro vs. Sergio Busquets and Lisandro Martinez vs. Robert Lewandowski, among them but United manager Erik ten Hag won him with Barcelona counterpart Xavi Hernandez and it proved decisive.
Barcelona looked in control after taking the lead but Antony’s introduction for Wout Weghorst at halftime changed the game. Antony stretched Barcelona’s defence and Bruno Fernandes, moved inside off the right, began to find more space and was involved in both United’s goals. United still needed a full-length save from David De Gea to stop a Jules Kounde header and stoppage time goal-line clearance from Raphael Varane from Lewandowski before being sure of a place in Friday’s draw for the last-16 but Ten Hag can be pleased that he had a similar impact.
On the type of frantic, fierce European night that United fans have been missing since reaching three Champions League finals between 2008 and 2011, the Dutchman’s new-look team showed they are not far away from bringing back these occasions in Europe’s top club competition. Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City have already been beaten at Old Trafford this season and against Barcelona, United recorded another statement win in a season that is promising to deliver trophies as well as hope for the future.
