Barcelona have been drawn against Manchester United in the Europa League playoff round on Monday.
Barça coach Xavi Hernandez described it as the “worst draw” his side could get after they were paired with Bayern Munich and Inter in the Champions League group stage.
United reached this round after finishing second in their Europa League group behind Real Sociedad.
The first leg will be played at Camp Nou on Feb. 16 and the return game at Old Trafford on Feb. 23.
Full Europa League playoff draw:
Barcelona vs. Manchester United
Juventus vs. Nantes
Sporting vs. Midtjylland
Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Rennes
Ajax vs. Union Berlin
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Monaco
Sevilla vs. PSV Eindhoven
FC Salzburg vs. Roma
High hopes, bad start to the season
After a bad season last year, Man Utd brought Ten Hag as the new coach. In the summer, it was clear that the Dutch coach is looking to bring new players and strengthen the squad.
Eriksen, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Malacia Antony and others arrived for around 240 Million Euros. But so far, it’s fair to say that Man Utd are not doing so well, at all.
Ten Hag also wanted to bring Frenkie de Jong, and we heard rumors about it all summer long. Now, Manchester United will have a chance to see Frenkie playing in Old Trafford, but as a Barcelona player.
Another interesting duel would be facing ex Madridistas. Always fun. Varane, Casemiro and Cristiano Ronaldo (if he’ll stay there) will make this game more interesting.
Manchester United facing FC Barcelona is always fun and interesting. Even when it’s only in the playoff round of the Europa League.
Still a long way to go until the first leg in February 16, and we should expect many changes. Barça will have the jnjured ayers back and maybe new signings in January. Manchester United will also try tk bring new players in the January transfer window.
