KEY POINTS
- Man Utd defeated Leeds 2-0 earlier this week in Premier League
- Barcelona beat Villarreal 1-0, thanks to Pedri’s goal on Sunday
- Barca will be without two players for their clash against Man Utd
Manchester United and FC Barcelona will face off in the Europa League knockout playoffs on Thursday.
Despite winning five of their six matches in Group E of the 2022-23 Europa League, Manchester United finished second in the group on goal difference, with Real Sociedad snatching the top spot to qualify automatically to the last 16.
Barcelona, on the other hand, failed to secure a knockout spot in the 2022-23 Champions League and were dropped to the second-tier competition Europa League.
To secure a place in the Round of 16, Barcelona and Manchester United will take on each other in two legs: First at Camp Nou on Thursday and then at Old Trafford on Feb. 23.
How to watch Barcelona vs. Manchester United first leg?
Soccer fans in the U.S. can watch Barcelona vs. Manchester United match at Camp Nou on Thursday on Paramount+ and ViX+.
Since the beginning of the Europa League group stage, Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United have accelerated their season, winning 14 of their 18 matches in all competitions.
While the Red Devils have qualified for the final of the League Cup, they are in third place in the league table and are five points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal. Manchester United are also alive in the Europa League and FA Cup.
Ahead of their Europa League meeting Thursday, both Barcelona and Manchester United have won their respective league fixtures. While Pedri’s lone goal led to Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Villarreal, goals from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho helped Manchester United edge past Leeds 2-0 at Elland Road.
Even though both teams have been in great form, Barcelona could have a slight edge, considering their superior head-to-head record and the advantage of being the home side on Thursday. Manchester United and Barcelona have so far played each other 13 times, with the Catalans winning in six, losing four and drawing four.
Team news
Manchester United: The Red Devils are going to be without Christian Eriksen (ankle injury), Donny van de Beek (knee injury) and Scott McTominay (muscle issue). The duo of Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabizter will also miss because of a yellow-card suspension.
Barcelona: The Catalans will be without Ousmane Dembele (thigh injury) and Sergio Busquets (ankle injury).
