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
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:
When Erik met Fergie
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag shared dinner with Sir Alex Ferguson this week as he looks to emulate the Scot in bringing European success to the club. He described the meeting as "massive".
"I always enjoy speaking with people who have a lot of knowledge, a lot of experience. He wants to share it; he wants to help and support," Ten Hag said.
"You feel Manchester United is his club. He feels so committed and he wants that we are doing well. It was a great night and I look forward to the next night with him."
Jules Kounde insists he is not ‘lucky’ to be facing Manchester United in second leg
Jules Kounde does not feel lucky to be facing Manchester United in the Europa League after Erik ten Hag fumed that the Barcelona defender should have been sent off and banned for the return leg.
Last week’s meeting of these European heavyweights outside the flagship competition lived up to the billing, with a chaotic clash in Catalunya ending in a 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp.
It was an impressive performance but Ten Hag was annoyed about his side’s inability to turn dominance into a win and the officials’ inaction for a poor challenge on star man Marcus Rashford.
Shortly after scoring an own goal to put the Red Devils 2-1 up, Kounde escaped a red card for a challenge on Rashford – something the Dutchman said was “definitely” a second off.
Jules Kounde insists he is not ‘lucky’ to be facing Manchester United in second leg
The Barcelona defender escaped a red card for a challenge on Marcus Rashford
Man Utd vs Barcelona team changes
Erik ten Hag makes just one change to the Manchester United team that drew 2-2 at the Nou Camp. Tyrell Malacia drops out with Lisandro Martinez coming in. Luke Shaw moves out to the left-back position having played as a centre-back in Spain.
Barcelona boss, Xavi, makes four changes. In the back line Andreas Christensen and Alejandro Balde come in to replace Marcos Alonso and Jordi Alba.
Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto replace Pedri and Gavi in midfield.
Barcelona starting XI
Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen, Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde, De Jong, Kessie, Busquets, Roberto, Raphinha, Lewandowski
Manchester United line-up
Man Utd XI: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Fred, Casemiro, Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford, Weghorst
How the teams reached this stage
Barcelona were knocked out of the Champions League group stage for the second consecutive season after finishing third in Group C behind Bayern Munich and Inter Milan while Manchester United finished second in their Europa League group on goal difference behind Real Sociedad.
Those performances has provided this extra play-off tie for the teams to navigate, things are balanced at 2-2 but only one of the sides will be progressing into the round of 16.
Who will it be?
On a red hot streak
Manchester United have won more games than any other side across the big five European leagues this season (27). Their total is already seven more victories than they managed last season (20).
Erik ten Hag details how Man Utd can beat Barcelona
Erik ten Hag has told Manchester United they need to produce their best performance of the season to eliminate Barcelona from the Europa League.
United impressed in drawing 2-2 at Camp Nou last week but Ten Hag believes they need to reach another level again against the La Liga leaders at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Captain Harry Maguire and winger Antony are back in contention for United but striker Anthony Martial, who has resumed training, will not be fit enough to play.
Erik ten Hag details how Man Utd can beat Barcelona
United drew 2-2 with Barca at Camp Nou in the first leg of their Europa League knockout clash
Ten Hag calls on fans to make noise
Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag, has called on the club’s supporters to make as much noise as possible inside Old Trafford tonight and to create a brilliant atmosphere to spur on the team.
“You can hear it in the stands,” Ten Hag wrote in Thursday’s United Review, the official matchday programme. “That the fans feel a connection with this team and the feeling is mutual.
“We are all on a journey together, moving forward game-by-game and, tonight, we need the fans, as well as the players, to be at the top of their game, if we are to create a memorable night at Old Trafford.
“I think we have to make a bond together, the fans and the players. We have to keep the process going. It’s great at Old Trafford, and at away games, and you feel it, the vibe between the fans and players. We have to keep working on it.
“We know Barcelona is a big team, it’s a big club, but we are really excited to face them. We really want to go for this chance. That is what counts.”
Xavi talks Barcelona’s absentees
Barcelona are missing a few big name players for tonight’s clash with Manchester United as midfielders Pedri and Gavi join the likes of Ousmanne Dembele on the sidelines.
“Dembele is also a big blow, a huge blow for us,” Xavi said speaking at his pre-match press conference yesterday. “He can make a difference on the pitch. Pedri and Gavi are players that are so important for us on the pitch.
“Gavi has pure passion and intensity and that’s exactly what we need tomorrow. It’s a big absence for us but we have alternatives.”
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