UEL: Barca and United play out a thriller
Barcelona 2 - 2 Manchester United
Manchester United and Barcelona played out a thrilling first-leg draw at the Nou Camp.
🗣️ - Xavi: “I said to Ten Hag, congratulations you are doing very well. This is Manchester United.” #mufc pic.twitter.com/5fPMKOMXp7
— UtdXclusive (@UtdXclusive) February 16, 2023
Match report
Barcelona. grabbed the opener when Marcos Alonso headed in at the back post from Raphinha's corner. United responded immediately through the in-form Marcus Rashford as he slipped in a finish at the near post.
The Red Devils showed resilience to turn the game around as Rashford's cross was then turned into his own net by Barcelona defender Jules Kounde.
Sadly for the away side, they were unable to hold on as ex-Leeds winger Raphinha's cross from wide on the right sailed all the way into the net.
Click here for highlights from BT Sport Barcelona vs Man Utd (2-2) | Rashford scores again in Camp Nou classic! | Europa League Highlights - YouTube
Reaction
Beth T tweeted: "Ten Hag needs to be taken seriously, what he’s done with this Manchester United team in 7 months is unbelievable."
The United Reds Twitter account added: "We just dominated Barcelona in The Nou Camp. I thought this rebuild would take years. Erik ten Hag is fast-tracking everything in an incredibly quick fashion. One of the very best managers in world football. We are blessed!"
This is Marcus Rashford's joint top scoring season, with 22 goals, equaling his 2019/20 campaign. [@OptaJoe]
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) February 16, 2023
It's only mid-February... #mufc pic.twitter.com/PmtXSWXlYN
Ryan, another United fan, told us offline: "David De Gea has been phenomenal tonight. Casemiro and Rashford will get the plaudits but their keeper has kept United in this match at times."
Barca perspective
Barcelona fans will be pleased at how they recovered from going 2-1 down. However, there's an argument that this was a missed opportunity. Man United will have players returning from injury and suspension next week. This will further add to their qualities across the pitch.
Manuel, a Barcelona fan, added: "Wow, what a match. That was football at its very best. Great to see these exceptional European sides competing like that."
