Manchester United vs Barcelona Match Preview: Kick-off time, Team News, TV Channel and Score Prediction

Manchester United welcome Barcelona to Old Trafford ahead of the second leg of their Europa League knockout tie. With the aggregate score at 2-2, all is left to play for in this game.

Competition: Premier League
Venue: Old Trafford
Kick Off: 20:00 UK Time
TV Channel: BT Sport

How do Manchester United Look?

United’s most recent game against Leicester City in the Premier League was a tale of two halves. Erik ten Hag’s side were sloppy at the start of the game and could’ve conceded on two occasions if it wasn’t for the heroics of David De Gea in goal. Despite Leicester’s chances in the first half, United took the lead through Marcus Rashford once again. Marcel Sabitzer intercepted Wout Faes’ pass and moved the ball to Bruno Fernandes who spotted Rashford’s run and found him with a wonderful trivela pass. Rashford was one on one with Garnacho open to receive a square pass but with the form the Englishman took the chance alone and buried it into the far corner. In the post-match interview, Ten Hag described United’s performance in the first half as ‘rubbish’ and he made changes at halftime to help his side control the game more. At half time Jadon Sancho was introduced in the number ten position and he was able to provide calmness and security in possession.

Marcus Rashford moved out to the left, proving devastating for the Leicester defence, scoring early in the second half. Fred received the ball from Lisandro Martinez and quickly played in Rashford through in goal before he finished past Danny Ward. The third goal was the best of the bunch and came from a flowing attacking move. Martinez won the ball back in the midfield and the ball fell to Rashford who dribbled inside before releasing Sancho. Sancho spread the ball wide to Bruno Fernandes before darting into box for the return pass and placing the ball into the goal with his left foot.

Casemiro will be available to start against Barcelona as his suspension is only for domestic games. Marcel Sabitzer and Lisandro Martinez will also be available after serving their suspensions. Antony has been in training this week and could be back in the squad to face Barcelona

Opposition: Barcelona

Barcelona are still one of the most in-form teams in Europe and will come to Old Trafford believing they can get a win. The Catalonians had their fair share of chances in the first leg and will want to be more clinical this time around. They will come into the game missing a few key players though. Both Pedri and Gavi are out for the game and Sergio Busquets is just returning from an injury.

Barcelona’s key man in this fixture could be Raphinha. The Brazilian was their best player in the first leg and was frustrated to be substituted after contributing a goal and an assist in the game. The summer signing was involved in most of Barca’s best chances and looked threatening whenever he had the ball. Raphinha has four goals and four assists so far in this La Liga campaign but he can affect games without contributing to goals directly.

Prediction

Manchester United surprised a lot of people with how they played at the Camp Nou. Erik ten Hag’s side were brave and had enough chances to have won the game. Old Trafford has become a fortress this season and with Barcelona missing key players Manchester United could have the advantage in the game. Barcelona should never be discounted though and have the strength in depth to be able to compete at the highest level. 

Manchester United 2-1 Barcelona