Manchester United have put themselves in a great position to make it to the next round of this year’s Europa League after a scintillating 2-2 draw against Barcelona at Camp Nou.
Both sides were in fantastic form going into the game and Erik ten Hag’s men will feel unlucky not to walk away with a victory but a draw will still be satisfactory to set up a mouthwatering deciding leg next week.
After United failed to make their dominance pay in the first half, Barcelona took an early second-half lead but Marcos Alonso’s header was quickly cancelled out by Marcus Rashford’s stunning equaliser.
Not long after, the 25-year-old winger forced an own-goal from Jules Kounde before Raphinha sealed the final score with roughly 15 minutes to go.
Man United Player Ratings
David de Gea – 7
Made a number of important saves but perhaps could have done better for the first goal.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
An uncharacteristically poor first half from the right-back. Recovered in the second half.
Raphael Varane – 8
Stunning return to his old nemesis – hardly put a foot wrong.
Luke Shaw – 7
For the first time since he started deputising at centre-back, you were able to tell that he’s not actually a centre-back. Still did well, however.
Tyrell Malacia – 6
Did not look out of place at all but Raphinha did give him a hard time.
Casemiro – 7
United are better when he’s in the team and he saved his side on more than one occasion. He will be kicking himself when he watches Barcelona’s second goal back.
Fred – 8
Tireless and reliable. Great performance.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Deployed on the right wing, seemed to be playing right-back most of the time. Not very involved in the final third.
Jadon Sancho – 6
Still finding his rhythm.
Wout Weghorst – 6
Played as a midfielder/forward hybrid. It looked awkward at times but weirdly, it worked.
Marcus Rashford – 8
The best player on the pitch and the single hottest property in European football. United must do whatever it takes to keep him.
