Manchester United vs Barcelona LIVE result: Europa League reaction after Antony completes thrilling comeback

Manchester United 2-1 Barcelona (4-3 on aggregate): The hosts trailed at Old Trafford thanks to Robert Lewandowski’s penalty but goals from Fred and Antony turned the tie around once again

'We have a winning mentality now' - Varane on United's improvement under Ten Hag

Manchester United produced a second-half comeback to defeat Barcelona FC and advance to the last-16 of the Europa League on a thrilling night at Old Trafford.

With the tie between two of European football’s heavyweights in the balance following a 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp last week, Robert Lewandowski fired Barcelona into the lead after converting a controversial penalty - despite a hand from David de Gea.

But Erik ten Hag made a crucial change at half time - replacing Wout Weghorst with Antony - and United improved immediately, with Fred firing in the equaliser from a smart touch shortly after the break.

And it was Antony who struck on 73 minutes to turn the tie around for United, with the Brazilian finishing a first-time shot into the corner to take the roof off Old Trafford.

Follow all the reaction after Manchester United defeated Barcelona in the Europa League play-offs:

Manchester United vs Barcelona

• FULL TIME! Manchester United 2-1 Barcelona (4-3 agg)
• Miguel Delaney: Thrilling Manchester United burst through Barcelona in vintage comeback
• Richard Jolly: Antony seizes chance as Erik ten Hag recaptures Manchester United’s spirit
• 73’ GOAL! Antony turns tie around with brilliant finish (MUN 2-1 BAR)
• 47’ GOAL! Fred equalises shortly after half time (MUN 1-1 BAR)
• 45’ CLOSE! Casemiro saves United with crucial challenge after De Gea error (MUN 0-1 BAR)
• 18’ GOAL! Lewandowski converts penalty to put visitors in front (MUN 0-1 BAR)
• 3’ CHANCE! Fernandes clear through but denied by Ter Stegen (MUN 0-0 BAR)

[23 February 2023 20:53 · Michael Jones]

HT Man Utd 0-1 Barcelona (2-3 agg)

Robert Lewandowski’s penalty is the only difference between the teams so far. Is there a way back into this one for Man Utd?

(REUTERS)

(REUTERS)

[23 February 2023 20:49 · Michael Jones]

Half-time: Man Utd 0-1 Barcelona (2-3 agg)

45+2 mins: The whistle goes for half-time at Old Trafford. Barcelona have control of the tie with a slender one-goal advantage. Erik ten Hag needs to make some changes.

That could be tactics or personnel but everything is too simple for the visitors. As it stands they’re knocking United out of Europe.

[23 February 2023 20:47 · Michael Jones]

Man Utd 0-1 Barcelona (2-3 agg)

45 mins: Chance! Man Utd get away with one. David De Gea gives the ball away to Sergi Roberto who takes it to the edge of the six-yard box.

Casemiro comes flying in from the left and tackles him before the ball comes to Franck Kessie. He shoots but Casemiro recovers to block that effort too.

Wonderful stuff from the Brazilian.

[23 February 2023 20:41 · Michael Jones]

Man Utd 0-1 Barcelona (2-3 agg)

42 mins: Erik ten Hag has some thinking to do at half-time. He needs to find a goal from somewhere and his tinkering in the first half hasn’t brought results.

Man Utd haven’t created much since Bruno Fernandes’ early shot.

[23 February 2023 20:40 · Michael Jones]

Man Utd 0-1 Barcelona (2-3 agg)

39 mins: Chance! Barcelona have really taken the sting out of this match. They’re dominating the ball and picking their moments to get forward.

Raphinha has a dart inside from the right and blazes a shot over the crossbar!

[23 February 2023 20:36 · Michael Jones]

Man Utd 0-1 Barcelona (2-3 agg)

35 mins: Close! That’s better from Manchester United. They maintain possession on the edge of Barcelona’s area, passing it from right to left and back again looking for the chance to shoot.

Jadon Sancho flicks the ball over to the right side of the box where Fred pops up and volleys a shot onto the roof of the goal.

[23 February 2023 20:33 · Michael Jones]

Man Utd 0-1 Barcelona (2-3 agg)

32 mins: United work the ball across the pitch with Sancho laying it off to Martinez who passes it out to Rashford.

Rashford dinks the ball into the box with Wout Weghorst the desired target but the forward gives up the chase as it becomes evident that Ter Stegen will beat him to the ball.

[23 February 2023 20:30 · Michael Jones]

Man Utd 0-1 Barcelona (2-3 agg)

29 mins: United have been a bit scatter brained since the penalty. Barcelona are doing a fine job of breaking up play and stopping the hosts from playing their own game.

Erik ten Hag’s men need some time in possession to get back up to speed in the match.

[23 February 2023 20:27 · Michael Jones]

Man Utd 0-1 Barcelona (2-3 agg)

26 mins: Bruno Fernandes is brought down in the middle of the pitch and wins a free kick for Man Utd. Xavi isn’t happy about the decision and lets the officials know about it.

The referee comes over to the touchline and tells the Barcelona boss to calm down. Erik ten Hag isn’t exactly showing a calm and composed manner either.

[23 February 2023 20:23 · Michael Jones]

Man Utd 0-1 Barcelona (2-3 agg)

23 mins: Oh Barcelona look good. They bring the ball down the right wing and slide it inside to Franck Kessie who plays a first time pass into the penalty are almost gets Robert Lewandowski in behind.

The bgi forward looks to control the ball but is put under pressure from Lisandro Martinez and goes down looking for another penalty.

He doesn’t get this one.