MAN UTD 2-1 BARCELONA: Manchester United are through to the Europa League last 16 after coming out on top after a barnstorming two-legged affair with Xavi Hernandez’s Barcelona
Erik ten Hag showed his tactical prowess to help guide Manchester United through to the Europa League last 16, masterminding a 2-1 victory over Barcelona.
The Red Devils had initially got his setup wrong which blunted his team’s attack and played a part in them going into the break 1-0 down, but changed things in the second half as United came from behind to win.
Ten Hag’s men had the first big chance of the game but Bruno Fernandes fluffed his lines and fired straight at Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Fernandes’ start to the night then got drastically worse when he fouled Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde inside the penalty area, allowing Robert Lewandowski to dispatch and give the visitors a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute.
Fortunately, Fred inspired the Red Devils with a well-taken equaliser just two minutes into the second half and ignited a fire at Old Trafford. Antony proceeded to add more samba stardom to the night, as he come off the bench to put United 2-1 up with an excellent finish.
Here are five winners and losers from a mammoth matchup at Old Trafford.
Loser: Fernandes’ failings on show
The man wearing the captain’s armband for Manchester United has often been the inspiration behind famous European nights in the Red Devils’ illustrious history. Think of Roy Keane in Turin or Bryan Robson at Old Trafford against Barcelona nearly four decades ago – it seems that Bruno Fernandes isn’t worthy of those legends.
Missing a guilt-edged chance in the third minute, the Portuguese magnifico was left fuming with himself for not giving United an early advantage. Then, Fernandes’ frustration boiled over and he naively grappled with Barcelona starlet Alejandro Balde, who’d bounded on into the box from left-back, and took him down.
French referee Clement Turpin, who took charge of the Red Devils’ Europa League final defeat in 2021, pointed to the spot and VAR didn’t advise him to check his decision on the pitch-side monitor. Up stepped Robert Lewandowski and the prolific Pole narrowly beat David de Gea’s fingertips to hit the back of the net.
Although he provided the assist for Fred’s equaliser, Fernandes sparked a mass brawl on the hour mark by booting the ball at Ten Hag’s top transfer target and Barcelona star, Frenkie de Jong.
Bruno Fernandes brought down Alejandro Balde to give Barcelona an early penalty ( Image: Alex Livesey – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Loser: Wout’s woes and brutal hook
Although he didn’t have anywhere near as destructive of a first half as Fernandes, Wout Weghorst also endured a rough 45 minutes before being brutally subbed off by Erik ten Hag, who with the sub admitted that he hadn’t got his team selection and shape right. The Dutch striker, back in his natural No.9 position, worked his socks off but didn’t trouble the Barcelona back line.
His last contribution was a silly foul on Franck Kessie outside of United’s penalty area, as his anger was visible. Fortunately for Weghorst’s team-mates, Ten Hag’s changes worked a treat as the change of shape in attack helped Fred to slot home an equaliser within two minutes of the restart.
Wout Weghorst was substituted at half-time after a poor performance ( Image: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Winner: Right said
Arguably the most scrutinised player of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, it felt apt that on what felt one of the biggest nights Old Trafford has had since the legendary boss retired, Fred would provide the spark which the Red Devils needed. The Brazilian has been trusted by Ten Hag in the absence of Christian Eriksen and at half-time the Dutch manager looked to his players for a response after a disappointing first half.
So, “right,” said Fred. With Jadon Sancho on the left flank and Fernandes in the No.10 role, the pair combined to slip their midfield team-mate in, who took a perfect first touch to split the Barcelona defence and shinned in an effort beyond Ter Stegen’s reach. 1-1 and game on.
Fred’s equaliser made it 1-1 just two minutes into the second half ( Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Winner: Super sub Antony
When you need something on a big night in football, call the Brazilians. Tasked with changing the game as a half-time substitute, Antony didn’t waste his opportunity after missing United’s last four games through injury.
As Marcus Rashford probed down the left flank, Alejandro Garnacho and Fred both had a pop at goal but couldn’t trouble Ter Stegen with shots. The ball fell kindly to Antony, who sized up a left-footed strike and coolly slotted past the German goalkeeper with a left-footed finish, sending Old Trafford into ecstasy and putting the Red Devils ahead with 17 minutes of normal time remaining.
Antony struck in the second half for Man Utd to down Barcelona ( Image: Alex Livesey – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
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Winner: Game-changer Garnacho
Another player who demonstrated how Ten Hag had turned the game on its head with his impactful changes, Alejandro Garnacho was a true-changer. Using his pace to ruffle Barcelona’s scrambling midfielders and defenders, the Argentina international played a crucial role in swinging the momentum United’s way, as they saw out the victory thanks to some savvy game management which put them in the last 16.
Source: mirror.co.uk
