Friday’s second leg of the Europa League playoffs will feature Barcelona vs. Manchester United.
The draw is tensely poised at 2-2 with a spot in the last 16 on the line.
According to recent rumours, Erik ten Hag visited Sir Alex Ferguson in Wilmslow before the important Europa League match.
Ferguson had a very successful tenure as United manager.
He won 13 Premier League championships over his 26 years at Old Trafford, in addition to five FA Cups, four League Cups, two European Cups, the European Super Cup, and the Intercontinental Cup.
Ten Hag called Sir Alex Ferguson’s counsel “massive” during the pre-game press conference.
“I always enjoy speaking with people who have a lot of knowledge, a lot of experience – he wants to share it, he wants to help and support.”
“Manchester United is his club and he feels so committed. We are getting on well. It was a great night and I look forward to the next night with him,” Erik ten Hag was cited as stating.
In Camp Nou, Manchester United and Real Madrid drew 2-2 in the first leg of their Europa League play-off match.
If the Dutch team is to continue their European campaign, the manager believes that his players must perform at their peak against Xavi’s team.
“When you face a big team like Barcelona you have to play your best. We have to give the best performance of the season. We believe in it, we’re looking forward to it, so we have to give a lot of energy,” remarked Ten Hag.
Harry Maguire and Antony are anticipated to be injury-free for United.
Barcelona will play without Gavi and Pedri, their starting midfielders due to suspension and injury, respectively.
The Red Devils’ crucial meeting against Barcelona will be followed by Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.
Despite playing one more game than Arsenal, Manchester United is only five points behind them.
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