Erik ten Hag admits that Manchester United's Europa League clash with Barcelona is deserving of a grander stage as both clubs look to bring back the glory days.
Two of Europe's biggest names are more accustomed to meeting each other in the Champions League, but meet in UEFA's junior competition at the Nou Camp on Thursday for a place in the last 16.
'Both clubs are in the Europa League and both have the ambition to be in the Champions League, and impact the Champions League to go beyond the group stage,' said Ten Hag.
'But the reality is we are in the Europa League. Both clubs needed a reset and we are both on a journey and going in the right direction. We're excited to face each other tomorrow, it will be a good test.
'Barcelona are playing their best football for several years. I like the values of this club. It has brought up so many big players and teams. I'm looking forward to facing them.'
There is no escaping the history around this fixture. Barca coach Xavi, of course, was such a key figure of the team that beat United in the Champions League finals of 2009 and 2011.
United overcame the Catalans in the semi-finals en route to lifting the European Cup in 2008.
They have never beaten Barcelona at the Nou Camp before in five previous attempts, but it still holds a place in club legend as the scene of their 1999 Champions League fairy tale against Bayern Munich.
Both teams are in good form going into the game. Utd have suffered just one defeat in 17 – including 14 wins – and Barca are top of La Liga and unbeaten in 16 – a run that has included 13 wins.
'You see the way Barcelona play, their inspiration is Johan Cruyff,' added Ten Hag.
'It's very clear. When you see the stats, Barcelona are impressive. They defend well, but I think their biggest skill is they have so much possession.
'One of Cruyff's big sentences was when you have the ball the opponent can't score.'
Utd arrived in Catalonia without Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer, who are suspended, and Antony, Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial who are injured.
Barca, meanwhile, will be without Ousmane Dembele and veteran Sergio Busquets.
Wotelmoy
0
Well I don't think united will get pass them.. A draw will be a fantastic result for us..
logannasti
0
Barcelona might win this game the have a better bench now than us our players are injured
Moschino™
0
ARROGANT MAN U WILL BE HUMBLED TODAY
We ain't arrogant bro
vebaeikory
2
we are winning 2:0united for life
DonJB
0
ARROGANT MAN U WILL BE HUMBLED TODAY
Ok lets wait and see 🔴🔴🔴GGMU
viabdimyz
0
Hag stop your chewing mouth but open your voice to give instructions,not talk to your empty assistants He can't go in 2play.
viabdimyz
0
10Hag must focus on MUs midfield n stop Maguire,Fred n Bruno from flashy play aimlessly with blind and stupid misses
nocidrumzs
0
Man united deal with any kind of pressure and find the cutting edge to win the game in the last dying minutes
[image]
This picture says everything....Look at the father n son relationship been built by ETH n Radford.....this is all the motivation n morale boost rashy needs to keep going for united....#GGMU,❤️🎉👏
PenaldoShiiiiiiT
3
ARROGANT MAN U WILL BE HUMBLED TODAY
Phili”10”
0
why is sabitzer suspended
He got red card from his last champions league match
Ayorinde07
0
man u will rise
Yes you'll rise and fall coz this BACK will back you down tomorrow 😂
florentus
0
why is sabitzer suspended
MhingleBrown
4
lbcrna
0
Man united deal with any kind of pressure and find the cutting edge to win the game in the last dying minutes
[image]
Manchester United keep disappointing me against Barcelona
Coscdotu
0
man u will rise
REDALIEN
1
I feel like Manchester United will struggle to cope with the energy level of Barcelona especially when you look at the number of injuries and suspension
Man united deal with any kind of pressure and find the cutting edge to win the game in the last dying minutes
jezabdnpyz
4
Barca Is Set To Win The La Liga Since 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣8️⃣-2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣9️⃣ Season... 🏆 United Have The Chance To Win A Trophy 🏆 After 5️⃣ Years... Both Teams Are On The Right Track To Be Great Again No Matter Who Is The Victor For This Europa League Showdown.
lbcrna
1
I feel like Manchester United will struggle to cope with the energy level of Barcelona especially when you look at the number of injuries and suspension
itz_me_ojei
1
Rahsford😭😭 #LJR10