How Manchester United should line up against Barcelona in the Europa League match

Manchester United will face Barcelona in the first leg of the Europa League play-offs on Thursday evening.

United failed to win their Europa League group and Barcelona finished third in their Champions League group earlier this season, meaning the two clubs now meet in a play-off round over two legs at Camp Nou and Old Trafford .

Erik ten Hag’s side face off after a 2-0 win against Leeds, but Barcelona are set to be a tough opponent as they have conceded just seven goals in La Liga, the fewest of any team in the top five leagues Europe .

As for the early team news, Anthony Martial, Antony and Scott McTominay are still expected to be unavailable. Lisandro no noMartinez and Marcel Sabitzer are also serving a one match suspension, but Casemiro will be available for selection again. Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s more complete full-back at the time, Diogo Dalot made two starts in preparation for the match. Raphael Varane and Casemiro are two world-class players who will be key if United are to achieve a positive result.

Wout Weghorst just gets a pass as if Alejandro Garnacho at United has missed an obvious game changer to go to. Garnacho responded well to his performance against Leeds at Old Trafford in Sunday’s reverse fixture.

The loss of Martinez is a hurdle for United to overcome given how important his forward pass was when he came on against Leeds this weekend. Ten Hag likes the left-footed option in central defense which means Shaw is reinforced while Malacia is left-back. Dalot and Varane start on the right.

With the Sabitzer suspended, the midfielder pulls himself together. Casemiro is available and he will play a big role. Fred’s energy could be an advantage and Fernandes completes the line. In attack, I would favor speed. This means Rashford starts in the middle, flanked by Sancho and Garnacho. The wide open spaces of Camp Nou could be ideal for these three.

Manchester United meet Barcelona in the first leg of the Europa League qualifiers on Thursday night.

United failed to win their Europa League group and Barcelona finished third in their Champions League group earlier this season, meaning both clubs are now in a two-way play-off round at the Camp Nou and Old Trafford will meet. see
Erik ten Hag’s side go into action after beating Leeds 2-0, but Barcelona promise to be tricky opponents as they have conceded just seven La Liga goals, which is the fewest of any team in the five top European leagues.

Regarding the first news from the team, it is expected that Anthony Martial, Antony and Scott McTominay will remain unavailable. Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer are also suspended for one match but Casemiro will be available again.
Our writers have their say on how United should line up against Barcelona…

A more complete side than Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the occasion, Diogo Dalot made two starts in preparation for the match. Raphael Varane and Casemiro are two world-class players who will be crucial if United are to achieve a positive result.
Wout Weghorst gets just one assist, as if United’s Alejandro Garnacho lacked an obvious game-changer to turn to from the start. Garnacho responded well to his performance against Leeds at Old Trafford in Sunday’s second leg.

HERE ARE SOME COMMENTS BY FANS 

Martinez’s defeat is a hurdle for United to overcome given the importance of his forward pass when they faced Leeds at the weekend. Ten Hag likes the left-footed option in central defense which means Shaw is reinforced with Malacia at left-back. Dalot and Varane start on the right.

With Sabitzer suspended, the midfield gets up again. Casemiro is available and will play an important role. Fred’s energy could come in handy and Fernandes completes the trio.
In attack, I would prioritize pace. This means Rashford starts in the middle, flanked by Sancho and Garnacho. The wide open spaces of Camp Nou could be ideal for these three.

United’s plan for this game is expected to be a derby win over City a month ago, using the strongest team available in a counter-attacking style.

Shaw steps in as a centre-back for the suspended Martinez and it would be prudent to recall Wan-Bissaka at right-back for his defensive stability.

Marcus rashford

There is no real reason to change in midfield, nor are there the personnel to do so. There is no point in using Weghorst in this game, so Rashford starts in the centre, with Sancho and Garnacho better suited for wide shots.

Ten Hag’s hands are once again tied by a long list of injuries and suspensions but it will be good to see Casemiro back in the starting lineup as his European experience will be needed in a two-way draw which will certainly be tactical.

Weghorst hasn’t been a threat since he arrived on loan and the front row will be more dynamic with a productively fit Rashford leading the attack. He will serve his pace on the break and Weghorst could be in the way.

Garnacho was brilliant last time he played in his native Spain against Real Sociedad and is expected to start on the left.