BARCELONA boss Xavi has revealed what he told Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag after the two European juggernauts played out a 2-2 draw in the Europa League.
The two sides met at the Camp Nou on Thursday in an enthralling round of 32 first leg clash.
Ex-Chelsea ace Marcus Alonso handed Barcelona the lead in the 50th minute.
But Marcus Rashford inspired a Red Devils comeback, equalising two minutes later.
Rashford then forced Jules Kounde to turn the ball into the back of his own net in the 59th minute to hand Man Utd the lead.
Former Leeds main man Raphinha came to Barca’s rescue, though, scoring 14 minutes from time.
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After the game, Xavi revealed he congratulated Ten Hag, who appears to have United on an upward trend.
Barca are on a similar trajectory themselves, topping LaLiga by eight points.
Xavi says a Barca-Man Utd clash can be Champions League final-worthy in the future.
He said after the draw: “It was a really tough game with a lot of passion and intensity.
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“We have to be proud because we competed until the end. We played against a top team in Europe.
“Manchester [United] is coming back and today they showed their best version.
“Both teams are more or less in the same position. We are coming back.
“I told Ten Hag congratulations because he is doing very well.
“It can be a final or semi-final in the future Champions League.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
