Manchester United draw Barcelona in Europa League: Two positives and one negative

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Manchester United have been drawn against Barcelona in the Europa League play-off round.

The winners of the tie will qualify for the last 16 to face one of the group stage winners.

United are in this play-off facing a Champions League drop out team after finishing in second in the group behind Real Sociedad.

Here is a look at two positives and one negative from the draw…

Positive: Glamour tie and chance for revenge

Like it or not, these matches are going to be unmissable. Manchester United v Barcelona in knockout competition is a match tickets will sell like gold dust for.

The matches are going to be ones to really look forward to, and a chance for Erik ten Hag to put another high profile notch on his growing list of victims at United, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham already beaten by the Red Devils.

This is also a chance for revenge for United, having lost against Barcelona in the Champions League finals in 2009 and 2011, and quater-finals in 2019.

Barcelona are vulnerable, enduring a difficult season in Europe, and financial problems off the pitch. United have to try to take full advantage.

United were going to have to play a tough side like Barcelona at some stage in the competition, and whoever wins this tie could be considered favourites to win the tournament. Get the win and the Europa League really opens up for United.

Positive: Make Frenkie de Jong regret his decision

Manchester United were publicly snubbed by top transfer target Frenkie de Jong this summer, who chose to remain at Barcelona.

This is a chance to make him really regret his decision once and for all, having already been knocked out of the Champions League.

United’s players and Erik ten Hag will be keen to show him that he could have joined a better team, if he even plays, and is not stuck watching from the bench.

Negative: This could be an early exit

As already discussed, United don’t have a strong record against Barcelona in recent years, the last victory coming back in the Champions League semi-finals in 2008.

While this two-legged tie will be competitive, it is objectively the hardest possible draw Manchester United could have got, and is a tie worthy of the final.

United’s Europa League journey could come to an abrupt end in February, which may ease some fixture congestion, but this is a trophy the team want to win.