Barcelona boss Xavi has insisted that his side “have to win” on Thursday when they take on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United in the second-leg of their Europa League play-off tie at Old Trafford.
Manchester United host Barcelona in the second-leg of their Europa League play-off tie on Thursday, after playing out a 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou last week.
Marcus Rashford dominated the headlines once again after the first-leg. The in-form forward notched his fourth goal in as many games, before creating the second goal which saw Jules Kounde turn the ball into his own net.
IT'S MARCUS RASHFORD AGAIN! 🔥
The finish is a thing of beauty 🤌#UEL pic.twitter.com/Y2tUmaafx4
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 16, 2023
United looked sure to hold on for the victory, but a deceiving curling effort from Raphinha found its way through the Red Devils‘ defence and past David de Gea to level the scoring going into the second-leg in Manchester.
Erik ten Hag’s side haven’t been on the losing side at Old Trafford in over five months, but Barcelona boss Xavi has insisted that this is nothing to fear.
Xavi’s Comments
“Fear? Fear of what? On the contrary, Old Trafford motivates,” Xavi said.
“It is one of those stadiums where you want to play at least once in your life, where you have to get the best out of yourself.
“We have to be brave, go all out for the game without complexes. It’s like at the Bernabéu, you have to be brave. And to be a great team you have to win at those grounds. And we want to be a great team. That’s how I see it.”
Xavi will be without Spanish starlets Pedri and Gavi for the second-leg however. Pedri picked up a hamstring injury in the first-leg and will remain out for around a month, as Gavi picked up his third European booking of the season – ruling him out of the Old Trafford clash through suspension.
The Barca boss refused to use this as an excuse ahead of the match, as he predicted a crucial victory for the Blaugrana.
“That can’t be an excuse, someone else will play.
“It doesn’t alter the fact that we have to win. And we can do it, I’m sure. At the Camp Nou we could have won.
“In the end, football is a game of mistakes. And when you commit too many, you lose. It will be a great game and we want to win it.”
Manchester United Vs Barcelona Odds
- Manchester United @ 6/5
- Draw @ 23/10
- Barcelona @ 21/10
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