Preview Manchester United vs BarcelonaThe Europa League quarter-finals are underway, and Manchester United are set to take on Barcelona in a highly-anticipated clash at Old Trafford. This match will be a battle of two of the most iconic football clubs in the world, and fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting game. Read more Preview Manchester United vs Barcelona
Team News:
Manchester United will be without the services of Anthony Martial and Phil Jones, both of whom are sidelined with injuries. In addition, Eric Bailly and Marcus Rashford are both doubts for the game, with Solskjaer likely to take a late call on their availability.
Barcelona, on the other hand, will be without the suspended Sergio Busquets, who picked up a yellow card in the previous round of the competition. Ansu Fati and Philippe Coutinho are both ruled out with injuries, while Ronald Araujo and Martin Braithwaite are also doubts for the game.
Match Preview Manchester United vs Barcelona:
Manchester United come into this game on the back of a 2-1 win over Brighton in the Premier League, with Paul Pogba and Mason Greenwood scoring the goals for the Red Devils. Solskjaer’s men have been in decent form in recent weeks, winning four of their last six games in all competitions.
Team News and Match Preview for Manchester United vs Barcelona
However, Barcelona will be a tough test for United, as the Catalan giants are unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions. They have won four of their last five games, including a 6-1 thrashing of Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey.
In terms of head-to-head record, Manchester United have won just one of their last five games against Barcelona. The two teams last met in the quarter-finals of the Champions League in 2019, with Barcelona winning 4-0 on aggregate. Preview Manchester United vs Barcelona
Manchester United will be looking to avenge that defeat and secure a positive result at home in the first leg. Solskjaer will likely field a strong team, with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba, and Marcus Rashford expected to start.
Fernandes has been in sensational form this season, scoring 23 goals and providing 12 assists in all competitions. The Portuguese playmaker will be key to United’s chances, as he will be tasked with creating chances and unlocking the Barcelona defence.
Rashford, too, will be crucial to United’s hopes. The English forward has scored 18 goals in all competitions this season and will be looking to add to his tally against Barcelona.
Defensively, United will need to be solid, as Barcelona possess a formidable attacking threat. The likes of Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann, and Ousmane Dembele are all capable of scoring goals out of nothing and will need to be closely watched by the United defence.
In midfield, Paul Pogba will be crucial to United’s chances. The Frenchman has been in impressive form lately and will be looking to control the midfield battle against Barcelona. Fred and Scott McTominay will provide the defensive cover in midfield and will need to be disciplined in their positioning to prevent Barcelona from exploiting any gaps.
Barcelona, on the other hand, will be looking to use their experience and quality to secure a positive result away from home. They will be relying on Lionel Messi to lead their attack, with the Argentinean superstar having scored 29 goals in all competitions this season.
Antoine Griezmann, too, has been in good form lately and will be looking to continue his goalscoring streak. In midfield, Barcelona will likely field Frenkie de Jong in place of the suspended Sergio Busquets. The Dutch midfielder has been impressive this season and will be looking to control the midfield battle alongside Pedri and either Sergi Roberto or Miralem Pjanic.
Defensively, Barcelona have been shaky at times