Barcelona will face the very best Manchester United group for a few years within the second leg of their Europa League knockout spherical tie at Old Trafford, the La Liga leaders’ coach Xavi Hernandez mentioned on Wednesday.
After preventing again to earn a 2-2 draw with the Premier League facet in a pulsating recreation at Camp Nou, Xavi believes his group will must be at their greatest on Thursday to advance to the final 16.
“It will be a very difficult game, Manchester United are one of the best teams in Europe today and they’re showing it every game,” Xavi informed a news convention.
“(Manager Erik) Ten Hag is doing a great job. They are a team that shows intensity, mentality, passion, and rhythm… we will need to match them at every level, to show personality and be loyal to our style.
“Above all, we need the bring the mentality to compete in Europe. We can say that Manchester United have returned and they are playing their best football in many years. It is a good opportunity to show that Barca can also compete.”
United is unbeaten in its final eight video games in all competitions and is third within the Premier League standings with 49 factors, 5 behind chief Arsenal.
It was the higher facet for giant components of the primary leg and managed the tempo however was denied by goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen who made a number of excellent saves to maintain the Spanish group within the tie.
Xavi can be with out the injured Pedri and Ousmane Dembele whereas Gavi is suspended.
“We came here with the desire and passion to compete,” Xavi mentioned.
“We are looking forward to showing our best version on Thursday despite all the players we are missing. We all know it will be difficult but we have a team capable of advancing to the next round.”
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com