Manchester United’s Europa League play-off first leg against Barcelona ended in an even 2-2 draw after an entertaining 90 minutes. Here is a look at five things we learned from the game…
Manchester United came to win, and leave with a draw
With a poor record in away games against Barcelona, some would have argued that Erik ten Hag should take a pragmatic approach to play for a draw and aim to keep it tight. While defensive resilience was part of the game plan, Manchester United quite clearly began the game with the core aim of winning it.
From Bruno Fernandes’ early ball into the box from the right-hand side, it was evident United went into the match with the idea to earn a first leg win. United had spells of control in the game, created chances, and put Barcelona under real pressure.
It was a sign of the trust Erik ten Hag has in his Manchester United side, and the balance he currently has in the team, a calculated gamble.
Poor finishing let down United’s game plan early on. Barcelona ended up making the Red Devils pay for missed chances as they took an early second half lead.
United demonstrated resilience by hitting straight back with a goal from the unstoppable Marcus Rashford minutes later, before taking the lead through a Barcelona own goal.
It had looked like being Manchester United’s first ever win against Barcelona at the Nou Camp, before Raphinha’s cross-shot found its way into the net for an equaliser.
Wout Weghorst’s missed chance shows centre-forward need
We wrote before the game that Wout Weghorst was one of the Manchester United players who could gain the most with a big performance at the Nou Camp. He didn’t grab his chance.
Weghorst was presented with an excellent first half opportunity, going one on one with the goalkeeper, but saw his show saved by Ter Stegen. His effort lacked conviction or precision, and summed up his current dismal record in front of goal.
The Dutchman needs to do better, and Manchester United need a clinical striker. It is moments like these, away at the Nou Camp, which really emphasise the requirement for an elite centre-forward.
Weghorst was not the only one to miss chances. Jadon Sancho scuffed an effort just before Marcos Alonso’s header opened the scoring.
Marcus Rashford’s incredible run of form continues
Only two Manchester United players had ever scored for Manchester United away at Barcelona before tonight, Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole.
Marcus Rashford has now added his name to the list, continuing his own outstanding individual season. This was his 22nd goal of the season, equalling his best ever tally.
Scoring on a big stage at the Nou Camp underlines the progress Rashford has made this year. United needed him to step up, and he did.
It was Rashford who created Manchester United’s second goal, with his run and cross flicked on by Bruno Fernandes for a Jules Kounde own goal.
He caused havoc in the Barcelona defence in the second half and should have had a penalty when he was fouled in the box.
Barcelona weakened for second leg
Barcelona have a problem in midfield for the second leg at Old Trafford, potentially missing both talented youngsters Pedri and Gavi.
Gavi picked up a second half booking for fouling Fred and he will now be suspended for the return game.
Pedri went off injured after 41 minutes, and has just a week to recover. Barcelona may have to rush Sergio Busquets back from injury, while United will be strengthened in this area with Marcel Sabitzer returning from suspension.
No away goals rule minimises United advantage
Manchester United are in a good position heading into the second leg, but don’t be fooled by the scoreline. It all rests on the result at Old Trafford.
There is no longer an away goals rule in effect in Europe, which minimises the advantage Manchester United would have had from a result like this in yesteryear.
United still have the edge heading into the second leg due to to home advantage, but the two away goals scored are not a factor beyond the score itself.
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