Barcelona and Manchester United meet this Thursday in the first leg of the round of 32 of the Europa League, the second European competition after the Champions League. Without a doubt, one of the most striking duels of this knockout phase.
The Catalans want to hold on to this competition, after being prematurely eliminated in the Champions League for the second consecutive year. It will not be easy and the culé coach warns of his toughness. The positive note for Barcelona is the league leadership and the defensive solidity that it is showing in recent days.
In the absence of Dembélé due to injury, the attack will be led by Robert Lewandoski and Raphinha, who is going through his best moment since he arrived at Barcelona. In the press conference prior to Thursday's Europa League game against Manchester United, the Brazilian acknowledged that he is experiencing his best weeks, but that he is still adapting to the style of the Barça club.
"It is normal to have some doubts when you arrive at a new club. I see myself better than when I started", he stressed. Since the Frenchman was injured, Raphinha has been a fixture in Xavi Hernández's lineups.
Regarding the duel against Manchester United, the Brazilian, who played in the Premier League, foresees "a tough match" against an opponent that he described as "difficult". In this sense, when asked about the similarities between Manchester United and Barcelona, who have been chaining a few years without shining in Europe, Raphinha assessed that it is something "normal" for these bumps to happen.
The history of confrontations smiles at the culés. They have met 13 times in all competitions, with a record of six wins for the Catalans, three for Manchester United and four draws. In the last four clashes, the victory has been culé.
The match between Barcelona and Manchester United in the Europa League will be played this Thursday, February 16 at the Spotify Camp Nou. The clash will begin at 6:45 p.m. and can be seen on television on the Movistar Champions League and can also be followed live on the La Vanguardia website.
FC Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; Frenkie De Jong, Pedri, Kessie; Raphinha, Lewandowski and Gavi.
Manchester United: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred, Fernandes; Rashford, Sancho, and Weghorst.
