Manchester United’s squad have the chance to write their name in history tonight. That is not overstating the match ahead.
This team could become the first ever Manchester United side to win away at Barcelona when the team visit the Nou Camp.
Even in the Champions League winning seasons in 1998/99 and 2007/08, United only recorded draws, 3-3 in the group stages in ’98 and 0-0 in the semi-final in ’08 with Cristiano Ronaldo missing a penalty.
Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole are the only United players to score away at Barcelona, ever, and this 2023 team has a chance to do something about that.
A win would be great while a draw would be a decent result. In the context of recent history against Barcelona, simply scoring would be progress.
United just need a result to take back to the second leg at Old Trafford. 0-0 was enough in 2008, with a Paul Scholes thunderbolt and stoic defensive showing clinching a famous 1-0 win in the second leg.
This is a chance for United’s stars to become heroes, and while that opportunity is open to each and every one, we have picked out three who have the most to gain with an iconic showing at the Nou Camp…
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford is Manchester United’s top goalscorer this season, and whatever happens at the Nou Camp, even with a dud of a performance, it won’t change his fantastic campaign so far.
But add in a goal or two against Barcelona, and his season goes to a whole new level. He is just one goal away from tying his career best season tally too. Matching that against Barcelona, with months of the season remaining, would be memorable.
Rashford has a chance to write his name alongside Yorke and Cole as players who have scored at the stadium. He would be in great company.
When United faced Barcelona in 2019, Rashford had an early chance, and snatched at it, missing the target. This is a great opportunity to show how much he has grown, if he can display a clinical edge.
It’s already pretty clear too that Rashford has a strong hand in contract negotiations with United. Add an important goal at the Nou Camp to the mix, and he can demand the world.
Fred
Fred is a player many fans made their minds up on a long time ago. This is a great chance for the Brazilian to demonstrate why he also deserves a contract extension.
With Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay (injury) and Marcel Sabitzer (suspension) available, Fred is the automatic starter next to Casemiro by default.
This is a big opportunity for him in the short-term. Fred is playing to retain his place in the second leg next week, ahead of Sabitzer.
And then there is a starting spot in the Carabao Cup final to aim for too. A strong performance at the Nou Camp tonight could secure his role at Wembley.
Wout Weghorst
Wout Weghorst has ‘done a job’ for Manchester United since joining the club. But it has not been pretty, with just one goal scored.
That won’t matter if Weghorst delivers in his biggest game for Manchester United to date, away at Barcelona.
The striker also has a chance to write his name among the United heroes of 98/99, and his two-goal performance at the World Cup for Netherlands against Argentina has proven his ability to step up when it matters.
Weghorst would love to sign for United permanently. At present the case is not too convincing. Should he deliver in this game, or the second leg against Barcelona, then he might give himself a chance, and change the whole way his loan spell at the club is viewed.
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