MANCHESTER, England, Feb 22 (Reuters) – While keeping his cards close to his chest, Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag insisted he has an “idea” that will help his team get the better of Barcelona in their blockbuster clash in the Europa League on Thursday.
United and Barca, two of the most successful sides in world football, put on quite the show in the first leg of their knockout stage playoff last week, despite playing in a competition neither are normally found in.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Manchester United v Leicester City – Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain – February 19, 2023 Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag shakes hands with the assistant referee after the match REUTERS/Molly Darlington
The 2-2 draw was exhilarating, typifying how much both teams have improved under their respective managers. Ten Hag is not resting on his laurels and is relishing keeping United competing for four trophies, with a League Cup final to come on Sunday.
“What we do different you will see tomorrow on the pitch,” Ten Hag told a news conference on Wednesday. “We have an idea.
“We all want to play big games, big matches. When we were young, we dreamed of it. We are really enjoying it, we are really looking forward and enjoying it. We have to give our best.
“It is not about (us getting) credit, it is about trophies. The next focus is always on the next game. We have to keep in the same mindset that every day we want to give a better version of ourselves.”
United finished with their lowest ever Premier League points tally last season (58) and have not won a trophy since 2017, but Ten Hag has quickly restored hope, with the 20-time top flight champions just five points behind league leaders Arsenal.
Speaking at the same news conference, defender Raphael Varane, who was part of United’s faltering side last season, explained the changes that have been made this time around.
“I think first of all it is the confidence,” Varane said. “Secondly, it is discipline. Tactically we know exactly how we want to play, to manage the game.
“With a little bit more experience and the mentality of competition we have already improved a lot, and that is maybe the difference.”
Ten Hag also added that captain Harry Maguire and Brazilian forward Antony have returned to fitness and could feature against Barca, but French striker Anthony Martial is still out.
Paul Pogba back in training before making long awaited second Juventus debut
Former Manchester United player Paul Pogba is finally getting closer to making his second, official Juventus debut.
As reported in Italian media outlet calciomercato.com, Pogba is back in full training with his teammates.
Pogba is yet to feature in a meaningful game for Juventus since his summer 2022 move from United.
The Frenchman’s consistent injury problems have left him on the sidelines but he is now reportedly close to a comeback.
His return is a timely one for under pressure boss Max Allegri, given his side’s position in the table.
Juventus were looking to mount a challenge for the Serie A title before a fifteen point deduction scuppered any championship plans, leaving them in a fight to qualify for Europe.
Pogba is expected to be available for selection for Juve’s next league game, which is the Turin derby against Torino.
It’s reported there is an outside chance he may even feature in tomorrow’s (Thursday) crucial Europa League second leg, away at Nantes.
Nantes grabbed an unlikely equaliser at the Allianz Stadium in the first leg, leaving qualification from the tie in the balance.
Should Juve find a way past their French opponents, a reunion with Manchester United could be awaiting them, and Pogba, in the next round(s).
However, there is lots of work to be done before attention could switch to a possible clash between the old rivals, with United facing their own challenge of knocking out Barcelona in the same round.
Should Juve and United get through their respective ties, a meeting in the competition would provide another glamorous match up in the Europa League.
Pogba, however, will for now be focused on his recovery and finally getting his second spell at Juventus off and running.
Source: reuters.com; thepeoplesperson.com
