Erik ten Hag and Xavi have announced the lineups for the Europa League clash between Manchester United and Barcelona. The former again opts for Wout Weghorst in the base the Red Devils, while Lisandro Martínez takes over Tyrell Malacia’s place in the team. Luke Shaw therefore moves to the left back position. Frenkie de Jong, in turn, is kicking off with the Catalans. The return leg of the Europa League intermediate round at Old Trafford starts at 9pm and can be seen live on ESPN 1.
Ten Hag has little reason to make major changes to his team, as United has been working on a good series in recent weeks. The manager of the number three in the Premier League won three of the last four league games with his team and therefore approached leader Arsenal to five points. Ten Hag also opts for Weghorst again on Thursday evening in the number 10 position, which he also did in Barcelona and against Leicester City (3-0 win). Bruno Fernandes will therefore again cover the right flank, with behind him not compatriot Diogo Dalot but Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Martínez was still suspended in Barcelona, but will take over Malacia’s place in the starting eleven again on Thursday evening. Shaw, who played next to Raphaël Varane in Spotify Camp Nou, therefore moves back to the left back position.
United held Barcelona to a 2-2 draw at the Spotify Camp Nou last week and convincingly dealt with Leicester last weekend. Marcus Rashford scored in both games and has had an excellent season, scoring 24 goals across all competitions to date. Ten Hag again has Harry Maguire and Antony at his disposal against Barcelona. In addition, Marcel Sabitzer returns to the selection, after he had to miss the game in Barcelona due to a suspension. Moreover, Ten Hag has access to a fully fit Casemiro. The Brazilian was still missing against Leicester due to a suspension, so he is rested at the kick-off against Barcelona.
“You feel that Manchester United is his club.” ?? Erik ten Hag on his recent dinner meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson ?? pic.twitter.com/yne69ObV6P
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 22, 2023
The Catalans know the necessary concerns for the top poster at Old Trafford. Ousmane Dembélé and Pedri are injured, while Gavi is suspended. Trainer Xavi also received good news from the infirmary, as Sergio Busquets has recovered sufficiently from an ankle injury and is immediately given a starting spot. Barcelona settled with Cádiz (2-0) in LaLiga last weekend and was therefore able to focus on the Europa League with a good feeling. During the press conference on Wednesday, Xavi heaped praise on United, saying that the Red Devils haven’t been this strong in years. Xavi also had nothing but praise for Ten Hag. “He’s doing great. His team has intensity, mentality, passion and rhythm.”
Xavi provides the biggest surprise in the front. On paper, Sergi Roberto is posted in the left wing position, but in practice, according to information from Mundo Deportivo, dropped back to make room on the flank for the up and coming Alejandro Baldé. Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha complete the vanguard. In midfield, Franck Kessié has to make up for the lack of Pedri and Gavi; the central defense duo is formed by Ronald Araújo and Andreas Christensen.
Manchester United line-up: DeGea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred; Fernandes, Weghorst, Sancho; Rashford
Barcelona line-up: Ter Stegen; Koundé, Araujo, Christensen, Baldé; De Jong, Busquets, Kessie; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Sergi Roberto