Barcelona vs Manchester United Match Preview: Kick-off time, Team News, TV Channel and Score Prediction
Manchester United travel to Nou Camp to face Barcelona in the first leg of their Europa League knockout tie.
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Old Trafford
Kick Off: 20:00 UK Time
TV Channel: BT Sports
How do Manchester United Look?
Last time out United were victorious over bitter rivals Leeds United at Elland Road. The 2-0 scoreline should not deceive though, as The Red Devils were largely second best throughout the game and struggled to sustain pressure. Leeds wanted to make the game chaotic and United fell into their hands, the struggled to progress the ball meaning they couldn’t create chances for their attackers. Bruno Fernandes missed a great chance to open the scoring just before halftime when he pounced on a mistake from Maximilian Wober that left him one on one with Illian Meslier but the French goalkeeper saved the shot well with his feet.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe second half didn’t look much better for United until substitutions were made. The introduction of Lisandro Martinez improved United’s build-up instantly, the Argentine brought a sense of composure to the game and allowed his side to build attacks more comfortably. The introduction of Alejandro Garnacho for Jadon Sancho saw Rashford move to striker and Wout Weghorst move into the number ten position with Bruno shifting wide. This gave United more of a physical presence in the midfield while also allowing Rashford to stretch Leads’ backline with runs in behind. Erik ten Hag’s side would finally break the deadlock in the 80th minute when Marcus Rashford headed home Luke Shaw’s cross. Just five minutes later Alejandro Garnacho would double the lead after latching onto a through ball from Weghorst and beating Meslier at his near post.
Manchester United’s injury problems continue with Ten Hag confirming that Anthony Martial, Scott McTominay and Antony will all be unavailable for the trip to Barcelona. Marcel Sabitzer and Lisandro Martinez will also be unavailable for the game due to suspension. Casemiro will be available for the match and will most likely start for United.
Opposition: Barcelona
Embed from Getty ImagesBarcelona are in incredible form at the moment and currently sit top of La Liga. The Blaugrana have not lost a game since their 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in October and have won their last eight games in all competitions. Xavi has his Barca side playing with confidence and they will believe they are the favourites to win the whole competition. Manchester United will need to play a lot better than they have in their last two games against Leeds if they want to stand a chance in this tie.
Barcelona’s talisman this season has been none other than Robert Lewandowski. The summer signing has been lethal for Barcelona this season leading La Liga’s scoring charts with 14 goals so far this season. Lewandowski is an elite striker and will be a tough test for United’s defence, especially without Lisandro Martinez.
Prediction
Manchester United are faced with one of the most in-form sides in Europe in Barcelona and it will not be a comfortable game. Barcelona will look to dominate the ball and force United into their own half before picking them apart and many people will have them as the favourites to win this tie. United should be able to get some joy through counterattacks with Rashford likely to provide the most threat up against Barcelona’s defenders.
Barcelona 1-1 Manchester United.
