Man Utd knock Barcelona out of the Europa League, they could actually be back
Manchester United have knocked Barcelona out of the Europa League following a 2-1 win at Old Trafford and a 4-3 win on aggregate.
The two sides played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou last Thursday to set up a sensational second leg this evening.
Barcelona arrived in England without midfield duo Pedri and Gavi due to injury and suspension respectively. Veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets was available to start after missing the first leg with an ankle issue.
United had Lisandro Martinez back in defence after a one-match ban, with Marcel Sabitzer also returning to the bench.
The Red Devils could’ve taken an early lead through Bruno Fernandes but he fired his shot straight at Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the Barcelona net.
Fernandes was involved in the game’s first major talking point shortly after. It was for all the wrong reasons. He hauled Alejandro Balde down in the box to give away a penalty.
Robert Lewandowski managed to put it away, although De Gea got a hand to it. The Catalan giants came close to making it two, with De Gea making a mistake while playing out from the back. Casemiro managed to get back and challenge Sergi Roberto before he got a shot off.
Erik ten Hag knew he needed to make a change at the break. He brought Antony on for Wout Weghorst, the Brazil international’s first appearance in four games. To say it paid off would be an understatement.
Fred shinned in an equaliser minutes after the restart to send a packed-out Old Trafford into meltdown. United had their tails up, Barcelona were rattled.
Fernandes was once again at the heart of all the drama midway through the half after booting the ball into Frenkie de Jong’s stomach.
A small melee erupted and Fernandes was booked. Chants of ‘Bruno, Bruno’ from the Stretford End will have soothed that, no doubt about it.
United managed to find a winner in the 73rd minute after some fine work down the left-hand side. Luke Shaw managed to find Fernandes with a backheel, who gave the ball to Alejandro Garnacho.
The teenager saw his shot deflected, as did Fred, before the ball bobbled to Antony. He struck a sweet left-footed effort first-time, which whipped round Ter Stegen and into the back of the net.
United managed to hold on and seal their place in the next round. They’ll now turn their attentions to Sunday, when they face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.
