Erik ten Hag has provided a fitness and injury update ahead of Manchester United’s second-leg play-off tie with Barcelona.
The Red Devils will take on fellow European heavyweight Barcelona on Thursday at Old Trafford, in a bid to book their place in the Europa League Round of 16. Both teams head into the game with two goals apiece, leaving it all to play for in M16.
At the weekend, United cruised past Leicester City with a 3-0 win thanks to a brace from Marcus Rashford and a goal from Jadon Sancho to seal the three points. Erik ten Hag will have his side rallied up for Thursday evening, as a dominant performance and win against the La Liga leaders will only boost the team’s collective morale.
Meanwhile, the Blaugrana saw off Cadiz with a 2-0 win at Camp Nou through Sergi Roberto and Robert Lewandowski goals – the latter will be keen to find the back of the net in Manchester after being kept quiet on his home turf.
United team news
Speaking to MUTV, Ten Hag provided an update on injured players Harry Maguire, Antony and Anthony Martial; the latter is making promising progress by returning to individual training but is still ruled out of the second leg.
Maguire and Antony could be in line to feature, whilst Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer will also be available after serving their one-match suspensions.
Barcelona team news
Experienced midfielder Sergio Busquets has returned from injury and is fit to play.
Xavi will have to accommodate the notable omissions of youngsters Pedri (injured) and Gavi after the 18-year-old’s booking in the first leg consequently earnt him a one-game suspension.
Ousmane Dembele remains sidelined.
