Man United boss Erik ten Hag is relishing Europa League play-off clash with Barcelona
>
‘Both clubs needed a restart and are going in the right direction… it will be a good test’: Man United boss Erik ten Hag is enjoying the Europa League play-off clash with Barcelona but admits that the European giants “have the ambition”. be in the Champions League’
- Two of Europe’s biggest names will meet in the UEFA youth competition on Thursday
- The clubs are more used to meeting in the Champions League
- United have never beaten Barcelona at Camp Nou in five previous attempts
Erik ten Hag admits that the Europa League clash between Manchester United and Barcelona deserves a grander stage as both clubs look to recapture their glory days.
Two of Europe’s biggest names are more used to meeting in the Champions League, but they will meet in the UEFA youth competition at the Camp Nou on Thursday for a place in the round of 16.
“Both clubs are in the Europa League and both have ambitions to be in the Champions League and make an impact in the Champions League to go beyond the group stage,” Ten Hag said.
But the reality is that we are in the Europa League. Both clubs needed a restart and we are both on a journey and heading in the right direction. We are excited to meet tomorrow, it will be a good test.
Barcelona is playing its best football for several years. I like the values of this club. It has brought so many great players and teams. I really want to face them.
Erik ten Hag says Man United’s Europa League clash with Barcelona deserves a grander stage
Although they are used to meeting in the Champions League, this time it is the Europa League
There is no escaping the story surrounding this encounter. Barca manager Xavi, of course, was a key figure in the team that beat United in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals.
United beat the Catalans in the semi-finals en route to lifting the European Cup in 2008.
They had never beaten Barcelona at the Camp Nou before in five previous attempts, but it still holds a place in club legend as the setting for their 1999 Champions League fairy tale against Bayern Munich.
Both teams are in good shape ahead of the game. Utd have suffered just one defeat in 17, including 14 wins, and Barca are top of La Liga and unbeaten in 16, a run that includes 13 wins.
“You see the way Barcelona play, their inspiration is Johan Cruyff,” added Ten Hag.
It’s very clear. When you look at the statistics, Barcelona is impressive. They defend well, but I think their greatest ability is that they have a lot of possession.
“One of Cruyff’s great phrases was when you have the ball, the opponent can’t score.”
Utd arrived in Catalonia without Lisandro Martínez and Marcel Sabitzer, suspended, and Antony, Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial, injured.
Barça, for its part, will not be able to count on Ousmane Dembele or the veteran Sergio Busquets.
Both teams are in good form with United suffering a defeat in 17 and Barcelona unbeaten in 16
