Manchester United vs Barcelona result, score, highlights and analysis as Ten Hag hails “biggest win”

By | February 23, 2023
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Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag said his side’s win over Barcelona eclipsed their Premier League victories at home to Arsenal and Liverpool as they reached the UEFA Europa League round of 16.

Second-half goals by Fred and Antony rewarded a stirring comeback by the third-placed team in the top flight, handing Liga leaders Barcelona a first defeat in 19 games as they were knocked out of Europe with a 4-3 aggregate defeat in the playoffs at Old Trafford.

“We’ve had some good wins,” reflected Ten Hag after his team ensured their campaign continued in four competitions by recovering from Robert Lewandowski’s early penalty. “Liverpool, Arsenal at home – really good wins.

“But I think this [is the biggest]. Barcelona is the leader of La Liga, eight points ahead of Real Madrid. We’ve all seen Real Madrid [thrash Liverpool] this week, and if you then beat them, it’s a big win.”

Substitute Antony galvanised United when he was introduced in place of Wout Weghorst at the break, applying a clinical 73rd-minute finish to complete the turnaround.

Fred seized on Bruno Fernandes’ pass after Marcus Rashford regained possession to slot past Marc-Andre Ter Stegen as the hosts re-emerged in rip-roaring style at the start of the second half.

The Brazil midfielder took just two minutes to level the tie after the action resumed, and Barca seemed to need time to regain their composure as United mounted waves of attack in pursuit of an immediate second.

David de Gea tipped Jules Kounde’s header over the crossbar as the Liga leaders pushed to regain the advantage but Ter Stegen had no answer to Antony’s expert first-time shot into the far corner of his net.

United will discover their opponents in the round of 16, which will be played over two legs on March 9 and 16, when the draw takes place on Friday, while Barcelona’s European campaign is over for the season.

Casemiro celebrates in style

With Pedri and Gavi absent from Barcelona’s midfield, United’s key challenge for the second leg was to stop long-time United transfer target and Ten Hag compatriot Frenkie de Jong from being able to make the visitors fluent in the centre of the pitch.

Casemiro played a more last-ditch role in stopping United from conceding than he might have liked when De Gea played a disastrous clearance straight to Barcelona on the edge of United’s penalty area soon after they went behind.

On his 31st birthday, Casemiro displayed all of the tenacity and coolness that he has become known for since his arrival, first blocking the danger and then seeing the ball away with nerveless composure.

The intervention looked even more important after the menacing Antony replaced Weghorst, who had not been as threatening as he was in the first leg in a central attacking midfielder role.

Fred, Antony – who turned 23 on Friday – and Casemiro all came under intense scrutiny during United’s poor start to the season but they were rightly lauded as heroes here and celebrated wildly with the home fans at the end.

“We have some great personalities in the team,” said Ten Hag, singling out centre-back pairing Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, the latter of whom kept a Robert Lewandowski shot off the line in added time, although it was subsequently ruled to be part of an offside move.

“They don’t fear anyone. We have some players here with great personalities – and if and when you get setbacks, they move on.

“They carry on, they are resilient, they want to get a result. If you believe in that even after you’ve conceded a cheap penalty, you carry on.”

Wembley next for United

United’s latest impressive win means that they still have a chance of winning the quadruple of the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Europa League.

Ten Hag can win his first trophy at the club in his first full season in charge when his team takes on Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

The fifth-placed Magpies had spent almost the entirety of the campaign looking like outside contenders for a title challenge before a recent dip in form, and they are almost certain to provide another test of the resolve Ten Hag admired in his players against Barcelona.

“One by one,” Ten Hag cautioned. “We don’t dream about European trophies. That’s far ahead. On Sunday, we have a great opportunity to win a trophy.

“We will give everything to win that trophy. From now on, our focus is on that game. I focus on Newcastle United – it is the only thing that counts.”

The FA Cup has also handed United a kind-looking draw, giving them a home game against relegation-threatened West Ham United at Old Trafford in the fifth round on Wednesday.

Betis, Fenerbahce, Ferencvaros, Feyenoord, Freiburg, Real Sociedad and Union Saint-Gilloise are the teams United could meet next in the Europa League – all dangerous opponents, but not names they will unduly fear on this form.

A trip to Liverpool follows on March 5, by which time Ten Hag will hope current leaders Arsenal, who will have played three more games by then, and second-placed Manchester City, who will have played two fixtures, have not further extended their advantages.

The Sporting News followed the match live and provided live score updates and commentary.

MORE: Man United vs Barcelona prediction, odds, betting tips and best bets for Europa League second leg

Man United vs Barcelona live score

  1H 2H Final
Man United 0 2 2
Barcelona 1 0 1

Goals: Barcelona – Lewandowski (18)

Man United – Fred (47), Antony 73
 

Man United vs Barcelona live updates, highlights from Europa League

Full-time: Man United 2-1 Barcelona

United turn the tie around and qualify for the UEFA Europa League Round of 16! We’ll have a report and analysis at the top of this page shortly. Thanks for following our live coverage!

90+3 mins: Man United 2-1 Barcelona

Raphael Varane clears Robert Lewandowski’s effort off the line! United fans gasp – an offside flag is up, but they weren’t to know that.

89 mins: Man United 2-1 Barcelona

There will be five minutes of added time. Kounde tries to reach a cross from the right, and Fred clears inside the penalty area.

85 mins: Man United 2-1 Barcelona

Robert Lewandowski wins a free-kick for Barca in a useful central position.

83 mins: Man United 2-1 Barcelona

Diogo Dalot concedes a throw-in deep inside Barcelona territory. The visitors have around 10 minutes in which to save their European season.

80 mins: Man United 2-1 Barcelona

Alejandro Garnacho streaks past Sergio Busquets and wins a free-kick, then goes down to receive attention. Exactly what United would have wanted (the pause, not the treatment.)

77 mins: Man United 2-1 Barcelona

Barcelona are preparing Marcos Alonso, who scored in the first leg, to come on. They look out of ideas at the moment.

75 mins: Man United 2-1 Barcelona

A reminder: it’s now 4-3 on aggregate and away goals do not count.

73 mins: GOAL – Man United 2-1 Barcelona (Antony)

Glorious strike from Antony! Luke Shaw’s backheel creates havoc deep inside Barcelona territory and, as the ball rolls to the substitute on the right of the penalty area, the winger unleashes a first-time strike into the far corner of the net and past the beaten Ter Stegen!

The hosts are 17 minutes from the Round of 16!

69 mins: Man United 1-1 Barcelona

That substitution from Ten Hag looks a wise one now. Antony has given United momentum on the flank and is clearly in the mood to menace.

66 mins: Man United 1-1 Barcelona

United repel the danger from the corner, then Franck Kessie crashes in a low shot from distance that De Gea gathers.

64 mins: Man United 1-1 Barcelona

Huge save! David de Gea tips Jules Kounde’s angled close-range header over the crossbar, affording Barca a corner on the right.

63 mins: Man United 1-1 Barcelona

The stadium reverberates with anticipation as Lisandro Martinez wins possession deep in United territory and tries to release Marcus Rashford with a long through-ball. It’s a touch too long.

60 mins: Man United 1-1 Barcelona

Barcelona are having a little more joy without finding the killer final ball. Raphinha dribbles into a promising area on the right, then plays a low pass straight behind, Antony-style.

It wasn’t that bad, in fairness. The home fans didn’t miss the opportunity to greet it with a loud roar of appreciation, though.

58 mins: Man United 1-1 Barcelona

A skirmish breaks out after Fred brings down Frenkie de Jong and Bruno Fernandes smashes the ball into the floored Netherlands international.

Pretty much impossible to tell whether the United playmaker meant that, but a crowd of Barca players angrily surround him, and Fernandes’ friends rush to back him.

55 mins: Man United 1-1 Barcelona

Marcus Rashford breaks away inside the penalty area on the left and skims a low cross along the face of goal. There’s no-one there to meet it.

53 mins: Man United 1-1 Barcelona

Former England coach Howard Wilkinson and legendary United manager Sir Alex Ferguson are sitting next to each other at Old Trafford.

They’ll have admired the fire Erik ten Hag instilled in his side when they re-emerged.

50 mins: Man United 1-1 Barcelona

This must be a familiar feeling for Barcelona: they’re reeling, as they were early in the second half last week.

Marcus Rashford breaks away down the right and fires a shot wide of the far post, then wins a corner on the same side.

47 mins: GOAL – Man United 1-1 Barcelona (Fred)

United are level! What a start to the second half for the hosts! Marcus Rashford wins possession deep and gives the ball to Bruno Fernandes.

The skipper goes some way to atoning for conceding that costly penalty by slotting a marvellous pass into the feet of Fred in front of goal, who slots past Ter Stegen. Lovely goal!

Half-time: Man United 0-1 Barcelona

Erik ten Hag turns to the Ajax alumni: Antony is on for Wout Weghorst. United are also out for the second half before Barcelona. Ears ringing?

Half-time: Man United 0-1 Barcelona

Barca have scored with their only clear chance from that penalty but they’re good value for this lead with a more composed display than they produced in the first leg.

Erik ten Hag has his tactical work cut out. United are 45 minutes from exiting European competition.

45 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona

Dear oh dear. As two minutes of added time begin, David de Gea sends a dreadful clearance straight to Franck Kessie near the edge of the penalty area.

For a second it looks like all Kessie has to do is fire past the goalkeeper, but Casemiro performs heroics – first by blocking the shot, then with a tackle to all-but end the danger from the most unpromising of positions.

42 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona

Aaron Wan-Bissaka concedes a sloppy foul for a challenge on Franck Kessie in a dangerous area just outside the penalty area.

Frenkie de Jong floats a delivery in which is headed behind for a corner, and Barca do little with the chance to create danger from their left.

40 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona

Raphinha thuds another shot well wide of the target, then puffs out his cheeks. Barcelona have scored from their only attempt on target but had almost 60% of possession.

37 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona

What price a more chaotic start to the second half, as we saw in the first leg? Erik ten Hag has been animated in the United technical area and must be plotting a way to change this game.

Marcus Rashford, who has scored 16 goals in his last 17 matches for United in all competitions, has had a quiet evening so far.

34 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona

Close! Fred meets a cross inside the penalty area on the right with a volley that looks like an attempt at a cross with a suitable lack of conviction, given the dearth of options inside the box.

It floats over Ter Stegen and lands on top of his net. The Brazil international would surely have claimed that one was fully intended, had it gone in.

32 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona

You have to hand it to Barca’s social media team for having this kind of graphic pre-prepared.

Robert Lewandowski hasn’t seen much of the ball since he put them ahead, mind.

29 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen punches away a cross from the right that he probably could have caught. He’s not punished for it.

28 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona

Lisandro Martinez shows he’s been putting in the hours in the gym, doing excellently to stop Franck Kessie as he charges into the penalty area from the left.

The challenge results in both players stumbling, with the more optimistic Barca fans possibly hoping for a second penalty.

25 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona

Barca boss Xavi evidently isn’t in much calmer a mood than he was during the somewhat acrimonious end to the first leg.

The referee gives him a ticking off for something he’s said on the touchline.

23 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona

Half-chance for Bruno Fernandes! The Portugal international does well to collect a ball spinning from the sky in front of goal on the right, volleying at Marc-Andre Ter Stegen from a tricky angle.

It’s an easy one for the goalkeeper to stop. United have only failed to score in three of their last 40 European matches, so there’s little need for the home fans to panic.

20 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona

It’s calmed down a little following that frantic start now, with Barca looking neater and less generous to their opponents when they have the ball than they were in the early stages.

18 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona

17 mins: GOAL – Man United 0-1 Barcelona (Robert Lewandowski pen)

Barcelona take the lead! This was almost a great save from David de Gea, who guessed the correct way following Lewandowski’s stuttered run-up and got a hand to the ball as it went to the goalkeeper’s left.

It wasn’t enough, turning the firm effort on to the post and in. Joy for the Catalans!

15 mins: Man United 0-0 Barcelona

Penalty to Barca! A VAR check takes place after Bruno Fernandes looks to have taken Alejandro Balde down with a stray hand on the edge of the penalty area after Raphael Varane heads a right-wing cross away.

Robert Lewandowski lines this up to a chorus of boos!

13 mins: Man United 0-0 Barcelona

Marcus Rashford charges into the penalty area on the left and wins United a corner on the same flank, from which they build another attack.

Jules Kounde snuffs out the danger. Barcelona have had 63% of the possession so far.

10 mins: Man United 0-0 Barcelona

Raphinha slings in a free-kick, then Lisandro Martinez wins a foul off Sergi Roberto. Robert Lewandowski is cutting an isolated figure up front for Barca at the moment.

8 mins: Man United 0-0 Barcelona

Bruno Fernandes has a chance to send in a free-kick from a useful central position outside the penalty area, failing to do much with it.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka then races down the right and sends a dangerous cross-shot out of play.

6 mins: Man United 0-0 Barcelona

Frenkie de Jong skips around with the ball inside United territory, then opts to pass the ball backwards.

Fred wins possession, accompanied by a great roar as the midfielder moves United forward. Barcelona re-gather possession. “Balde – what a good player he is,” remarks former Red Devil Robbie Savage on BT Sport.

4 mins: Man United 0-0 Barcelona

Raphinha looks up from a similar position on the right to the one from which he made it 2-2 in the first leg, then hammers a shot well wide of the far post.

Early warning signs for both sides.

3 mins: Man United 0-0 Barcelona

The first major chance goes to United! Casemiro angles a perceptive pass onto the run of Bruno Fernandes on the right, who arrows into the penalty area and sees his shot stopped by the advancing Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s foot.

Alert goalkeeping!

2 mins: Man United 0-0 Barcelona

Barca’s Jules Kounde yelps with pain after appearing to be caught late by Luke Shaw on a sideline. He’s receiving attention and returns to his feet.

1 min: Man United 0-0 Barcelona

Here we go! Barcelona launch an early attack down the right and a great roar goes up, as you might expect, when United see the danger away. 

5 mins from kickoff: The teams emerge from the tunnel to a pulsating atmosphere! Erik ten Hag provides an understated clap as he makes his way along the touchline.

20 mins from kickoff: “I really think Xavi has come here to get control of the midfield,” former United midfielder Paul Scholes tells BT Sport, adding that he was surprised at United’s adventurous first-leg tactics and picking out Sergio Busquets, De Jong, Sergi Roberto and Kessie.

Robin van Persie, meanwhile, feels that the key to Barcelona’s success is finding space for De Jong.

40 mins from kickoff: “What I like about Marcus Rashford is that you see other players getting emotional,” says former United striker Robin van Persie, speaking to BT Sport.

“He stays calm; he knows his chance will come. If you are a striker, you realise that players like Bruno Fernandes, who can play that final ball… when they get it, you’re like, ‘ah.'”

60 mins from kickoff: Team news!

Man United starting XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea (GK) – Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw – Casemiro, Fred – Bruno, Weghorst, Sancho – Rashford

Barcelona starting XI (4-3-3): Ter Stegen (GK) – Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde – De Jong, Busquets, Kessie – Raphinha, Lewandowski, Sergi Roberto

80 mins from kickoff: Don’t forget to follow our dedicated football channels on Twitter and Instagram for all the latest football updates, stats and analysis.

They’re your essential companions to the beautiful game.

100 mins from kickoff: United playmaker Bruno Fernandes has issued a stirring call to perform in matchday programme The United Review this evening.

“We are all on a journey together, moving forward game by game,” the Portugal midfielder says. “Tonight we need the fans, as well as the players, to be at the top of their game if we are to create a memorable night at Old Trafford.”

120 mins from kickoff: Good evening and welcome to The Sporting News’ coverage of a match that will be fatal to Manchester United or Barcelona’s European campaigns this season!

To say this UEFA Europa League Round of 16 playoff second leg has been teed up nicely by the first episode in Barcelona is a resounding understatement. The teams shared 36 shots at the Camp Nou, with Marcos Alonso heading the hosts ahead and Marcus Rashford replying as the game exploded into goal-laden life shortly after the second half started.

Rashford equalled his best ever tally for a season in all competitions – 22 – with that goal, then fired in a cross soon afterwards that Jules Kounde turned into his own net. Raphinha levelled 14 minutes from the end, and there was time for Casemiro to hook a clearance against his own woodwork and both entourages to become very annoyed about perceived refereeing injustices, among other dramatic incidents.

Can it be as good again tonight? We’ll find out in around two hours’ time…

Man United vs Barcelona predicted lineups

Ten Hag’s injury list is likely to remain unchanged for this game with Antony and Harry Maguire likely to sit out the game and work on their fitness ahead of the Carabao Cup final this weekend.

Lisandro Martinez missed the first leg through suspension and should start at centre-back, while Raphael Varane will likely be restored after being rested for the win over Leicester City. Casemiro is also in contention, the midfielder having also missed last Sunday’s game through suspension.

Ten Hag could choose to deploy Wout Weghorst in a deeper role as he did to some success at Camp Nou, while Jadon Sancho could push for a start following his goalscoring cameo off the bench against Leicester.

Man United starting XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea (GK) – Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw – Casemiro, Fred – Bruno, Weghorst, Sancho – Rashford

Man United subs: Heaton (GK), Dalot, Lindelof, Malacia, Fred, Pellistri, Mainoo, Garnacho, Elanga

Xavi has issues in midfield ahead of this game with key pair Pedri and Gavi absent due to injury and suspension respectively, and Ousmane Dembele still sidelined.

Captain Sergio Busquets is back in the squad and will lead the team in Manchester, with Franck Kessie and Jordi Alba also expected to start at Old Trafford.

Barcelona starting XI (4-3-3): Ter Stegen (GK) – Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde – De Jong, Busquets, Kessie – Raphinha, Lewandowski, Sergi Roberto

Barcelona subs: Tenas (GK), Roberto, Garcia, Balde, Casado, Alonso, Raphinha, Torre, Torres

What time is Man United vs Barcelona kick off?

This Europa League clash kicks off at Old Trafford on Thursday, February 23 at 8:00 p.m. local time.

Here’s how that time translates across some of the major territories:

  Date Kickoff time
USA Thu, Feb. 23 15:00 ET
Canada Thu, Feb. 23 15:00 ET
UK Thu, Feb. 23 20:00 GMT
Australia Fri, Feb. 24 07:00 AEDT
India Fri, Feb. 24 01:30 IST
Hong Kong Fri, Feb. 24 04:00 HKT
Malaysia Fri, Feb. 24 04:00 MYT
Singapore Fri, Feb. 24 04:00 SGT
New Zealand Fri, Feb. 24 09:00 NZDT

MORE: Have Barcelona won the Europa League? Full UEFA Cup and UEL record

Man United vs Barcelona live stream, TV channel

Here’s how to watch all of the action from this match in some of the major territories:

  TV channel Streaming
USA UniMas, TUDN USA fuboTV, Paramount+,
ViX+, Univision NOW, TUDN app/site
Canada — DAZN
UK BT Sport 2, BT Sport Ultimate BT Sport app/site
Australia — Stan Sport
New Zealand — Spark Sport
India — —
Hong Kong — —
Malaysia —

beIN Sports Connect
Singapore — beIN Sports Connect

Australia: Fans can watch every match from the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Conference League with all the action streaming ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport.

Canada: Every Champions League and Europa League match in Canada can be streamed exclusively on DAZN. 

UK: The UEFA Europa League is carried by BT Sport’s TV and streaming platforms.

USA: Fans in the USA can watch the Europa League in English (CBS and Paramount+) and Spanish (Univision, TUDN, UniMas, ViX and ViX+). This match will be shown on TUDN and subscription service Paramount+ and ViX+.

When matches are televised on CBS or Univision TV channels, those same channels are streamed on fuboTV, which is available on a free trial for new users.

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