Xavi has praised four Manchester United players as well as manager Erik ten Hag before tomorrow’s huge clash at Old Trafford.
The Barcelona manager has spoken to the Times ahead of the Europa League play-off second leg, and said he is a fan of the Dutchman.
Xavi also hailed Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, both of whom scored against Leicester on Sunday, and suggested Fred is playing out of his skin.
Bruno Fernandes was also picked out as playing well right now, although Xavi did not really need to refer to him as ‘the ‘Portuguese guy’ rather than naming him, like he did the other three.
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Barcelona boss Xavi hails four Manchester United players and Erik ten Hag
He said: “(Ten Hag) is very good, I like him a lot. He has built a team and is getting the best out of all his players. That speaks well of him.
“Tactically he is very good and he handles the dressing room very well. He is getting all the talent out of his players.
“You see [Jadon] Sancho, [Marcus] Rashford, the Portuguese guy [Bruno Fernandes]. And look how Fred is playing…
“Difficult? Well, we’ve known that since [the draw was made]. We are a brave team that likes to attack and always win. [This game] will not be an exception.”
Perhaps Xavi just forgot Bruno’s name quickly, or maybe he is trying to wind the man who is likely to wear the armband for United tomorrow night up.
Fred played well in the first leg, although there is a chance he will not start tomorrow night’s game, with Marcel Sabitzer back from suspension.
Ten Hag’s selection may be influenced by the EFL Cup final on Sunday afternoon, and maybe Sabitzer will play one of the games and Fred the other.
It promises to be a hugely exciting night at Old Trafford and after letting the first leg out of their grasp, United need to get the job done tomorrow.