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      Man Utd 2 Barcelona 1 (4-3) LIVE RESULT: Antony caps stunning fight back as United beat Barca in Europa League clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fought back to defeat Barcelona 2-1 in their thrilling Europa League clash.Robert Lewandowski had netted from the penalty spot before Fred and Antony scored for United who won 4-3 on aggregate.
      United will now be in the big Europa League round of 16 draw at Uefa’s HQ in Nyon, Switzerland.

      Result: Man Utd 2-1 Barcelona (4-3 agg)
      Man Utd XI: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Casemiro, Fred, Fernandes, Weghorst, Sancho, Rashford
      Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen, Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde, Busquets, De Jong, Kessie, Roberto, Lewandowski, Raphinha

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      Ten Hag hailed for masterstroke
      Erik ten Hag has been hailed for pulling off a tactical masterstroke and guiding Manchester United to a thrilling comeback over Barcelona.
      The introduction of Antony in place of Wout Weghorst during half-time paid instant dividends as they took over.
      United have scored 19 goals by substitutes in all competitions this season, the most of any big five European league side this term.
      Red Devils legend Peter Schmeichel told BBC Radio 5 Live: “In the second-half Erik ten Hag made the right changes and it was an instant result.”
      One fan tweeted: “No manager is perfect with in-game management, but Ten Hag is pretty close.”
      Credit: Getty
      Fergie reacts
      Sir Alex Ferguson ‘s heartwarming reaction to Manchester United’s winning goal over Barcelona had fans “pumped” after it was caught on camera.
      The Red Devils took another step towards the quadruple after coming from behind to beat the Euro giants 2-1 and dump them out of the Europa League.
      The 81-year-old icon was spotted at the Theatre of Dreams sitting alongside former Leeds United boss Howard Wilkinson – the last Englishman to guide a team to top-flight success in 1992.
      And as Old Trafford erupted with delight at Antony’s strike, the veterans both jumped up from their seats as Fergie clapped wildly with delight.
      Then, the fiery Scotsman who was famous for dishing out the hair-dryer treatment, was caught performing a fist pump.

      What it means to be seeded?
      Seeded teams will play the second leg at home.
      Though in the form Man Utd are in these days I doubt that will worry them much.
      Europa League draw teams
      The seeded and unseeded teams for tomorrow’s massive round of 16 draw.
      Group stage winners (are seeded)Arsenal (ENG)Betis (ESP)Fenerbahçe (TUR)Ferencváros (HUN)Feyenoord (NED)Freiburg (GER)Real Sociedad (ESP)Union Saint-Gilloise (BEL)
      Knockout round play-off winners (are unseeded)Union Berlin (GER)Man Utd (ENG)Juventus (ITA)Leverkusen (GER)Roma (ITA)Sevilla (ESP)Shakhtar (UKR)Sporting CP (POR)
      Who could United face in the draw?
      Here are the seeded teams who await Man Utd in the Europa League draw.
      Man Utd cannot face Arsenal at this stage.

      When is the Europa League draw?
      The round of 16 draw takes place tomorrow morning.
      It will all get underway from 11am UK time.
      And remember, United will be unseeded in the draw.
      Ten Hag salutes ‘best win with Utd’
      Erik ten Hag believes toppling Barcelona over two legs is his best achievement with United.
      The Red Devils boss told BT Sport: “We’ve had some good wins – Arsenal and Liverpool.
      But I think this over two legs… Barcelona are eight points ahead in LaLiga, ahead of Real Madrid, so this is a big, big win.”
      Ten Hag admitted the first half was “flat” but still felt United were unlucky to be behind.
      He then praised pacy subs Antony and Alejandro Garnacho – who “have no fear” for helping the turnaround for a 2-1 win and 4-3 aggregate triumph.
      And the Dutchman claimed having a dressing room full of inspirational figures meant the Red Devils would always roar back.
      He said: “We have some great personalities in the team – like Varane, Martinez, Fernandes, Casemiro.
      “If we have set-backs they move on.”
      ‘This is what makes United’
      Paul Scholes believes arguably the biggest, loudest, best night at Old Trafford for years is a glimpse into both the past and the future.
      Scholes was part of Alex Ferguson’s glory era and feels Erik ten Hag can create a new golden age following this evening’s 2-1 defeat of Barcelona.
      The ex-United midfielder told BT Sport: “What a great night, absolutely brilliant.
      “Big European nights like this are what makes United.
      “We know Barcelona had a couple of big players out.
      “But once United got that second goal I don’t think United were in trouble.”
      Scholes added, however: “They (United) had to improve after that first half, because they were flat, and they did.”
      Deja Eu?
      Tonight’s 2-1 win was United’s first victory over Barcelona in 15 years.
      And the Red Devils went on to beat Chelsea in the 2008 Champions League final.
      A good omen?

      Fred joy as fans chant his name
      Fred’s not always been the first name in the team or on the lips of United fans.
      But after his awesome display tonight, including a match-turning equaliser, he got the reception he deserved – and lapped it up.
      The tireless midfielder told BT Sport: “It’s very good to hear my name from the fans.
      “It was a good game, We had to keep going.
      “The first half we don’t play like we do, second half was much better.”
      Bruno: Old Trafford bouncing
      Bruno Fernandes claims the belief from players AND fans inspired United’s comeback KO of Barcelona.
      The midfielder told BT Sport: “The belief of the team is always there.
      “The fans have pushed us through difficult moments this season.
      “We know in the past we have done a lot like this (big games) but now we have a big match on Sunday (Carabao Cup final)
      “Old Trafford was bouncing tonight.”
      Scholes hails great double
      United legend Paul Scholes hailed United’s transformation to KO Barcelona.
      Scholes believes the good times are back – “after the first half was really bad”.
      Praising the substitutions, he told BT Sport: “Two really good goals have won it for us.”
      Man Utd 2-1 Barca: Fred Devils have done it
      United’s roaring comeback win puts them into the Europa league last 16 4-3 on aggregate.
      Star man Fred and Antony overturned Lewandowski’s early penalty opener as the Red Devils transformed after the break.
      United deserved it over the two legs, following a stirring 2-2 first leg draw,
      Man Utd 2-1 Barca: RED DEVILS THROUGH
      Man Utd 2-1 Barca: Varane barrier
      Lewandowski’s shot was cleared off the lien by Varane.
      The move was ruled offside anyway – but what a block!
      Man Utd 2-1 Barca: Awesome Fred
      Fred’s still the main man as United try to fend off Barcelona midway through stoppage time.
      Barca are now building forward steadily.
      But one Torres cross just eluded three visitors’ players.
      And United soon win a free-kick that’s celebrated almost like a goal.
      Man Utd 2-1 Barca: Red Devils clinging on
      United briefly got hold of the ball in the corner – to slow things down.
      But Barca struck back instantly – and Lewandowski was nearly found clear on goal.
      Soon after that, Fred is again involved, sniffing out a half-chance on the eedge of the box.
      We’re into FIVE MINUTES of added time.
      Man Utd 2-1 Barca: Rashford hobbles off
      United brought on Scott McTominay in the 88th minute for Rashford, who walked off gingerly.
      We can expect plenty of stoppage time here.
      Man Utd 2-1 Barca: Casemiro booked
      Casemiro hauled Lewandowski down in the middle of the United half, earning a booking when Barca were getting men forward.
      Man Utd 2-1 Barca: Araujo off, Alonso on
      Barcelona rejig their defence as the tie enters the final eight minutes.
      So far we’ve not seen any heavy pressure from Barca.
      And in fact direct-running United sub Garnacho earns Busquets a booking with a burst from halfway.
      The midfield legend tripped the speeding winger, who tumbled dramatically.
      That free-kick award calms things down nicely for United.
      Man Utd 2-1 Barca: Brilliant United break
      After United clear a Torres free-kick, the inspirational Fred leads a stunning counter-attack.
      Garnacho swaps passes with the Brazilian and the resulting cross is just cleared from danger.
      Rashford then threatens in the box too.
      Man Utd 2-1 Barca: Can Red Devils hold on
      4-3 up on aggregate, United so far aren’t resorting to just defending.
      But Garnacho is booked for a reckless challenge on Kounde, giving Barcelona a free-kick deep down the right.

      Man Utd 2-1 Barca: Subs have turned this around
      Garnacho and Fernandes showed great strength and determination to conjure a chance out of nothing down the left.
      And when the ball comes in Antony shows outstanding composure in the penalty area D to plant a precision left-footer back into the corner.
      GOAL: Man Utd 2-1 Barca
      Antony’s bottom-corner snap-shot on 72 minutes puts United in front on the night and on aggregate.
      Man Utd 1-1 Barca: Torres on for Roberto
      Ex-Man City winger Ferran Torres came on for Barcelona – on the right wing.
      And virtually his first act will be to help defend a free-kick conceded by Lewandowski’s foul on Casemiro, who seems hurt as he receives plenty of treatment.
      Lewandowski is eventually booked during an extended delay.
      And more importantly Casemiro is fine to continue.
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      Peter Schmeichel slams Bruno Fernandes after Man Utd star gives away ‘stupid’ penalty in Barcelona clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Peter Schmeichel blasted “stupid” Bruno Fernandes for needlessly giving away a penalty against Barcelona.The Red Devils went into the second leg of tonight’s crunch Europa League play-off with the scores tied 2-2 following the draw at the Nou Camp seven days ago.
      Peter Schmeichel slammed Bruno Fernandes as ‘stupid’Credit: Getty
      The Portuguese star dragged Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde down to give away a penaltyCredit: AP
      But they found themselves trailing after just 18 minutes after Robert Lewandowski’s penalty.
      Barcelona star Alejandro Balde turned in the box after a cross was half-cleared, but despite facing away from goal, Fernandes dragged him to the floor.
      Even though there were strong appeals, VAR went with the referee’s original decision and the Pole made no mistake from 12 yards – despite David de Gea getting a strong hand to it.
      And the actions of Fernandes left Schmeichel, who was United goalkeeper in the 1999 Treble winning campaign, raging.
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      He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It is so stupid to pull a man down inside the penalty area in a situation where Alejandro Balde is going away from goal.
      “That’s so stupid, I can’t tell you how stupid that is.
      “To pull a man down so blatantly in the area in a situation where Balde is actually going away from goal. That is just stupid.
      “It doesn’t matter how much the contact is, what he’s done is taken Balde out, they’ve got no case.
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      “It’s just silly, it’s unnecessary. He’s going nowhere, just let him go.”
      After the goal, Schmeichel then declared that Portuguese international Fernandes now owed his team-mates.
      He added: “David de Gea gets a full hand to it but only manages to put it off the post and it still goes in.
      “We are talking about big games, the one thing you have to eradicate is mistakes.
      “Bruno Fernandes is still arguing, he needs to get a grip of himself, he has played a couple of sloppy passes. Now he has given away the penalty and he owes the team.” More

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      Watch Sevilla keeper fight with pitch invader after PSV hooligan tries to attack stopper in Europa League clash

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      SEVILLA’S goalkeeper was forced to fight with a PITCH INVADER after the thug tried to attack him.Marko Dmitrovic was in goal for Sevilla in the Europa League play-off clash when a hooligan approached him.

      Marko Dmitrovic came under attack from a pitch invaderCredit: Getty
      The PSV fan threw a punch at the Sevilla goalkeeperCredit: AP
      But as the fan threw a punch at Dmitrovic, the Serbian dragged the hooded fan to the ground and kept him there until support from other players arrived to help separate them.
      Security then promptly arrived to escort the fan off the pitch.
      PSV were 2-0 victors on the night thanks to goals from Luuk de Jong and Fabio Silva.
      However, the Dutch side were still eliminated from the Europa League owing to a 3-2 aggregate loss.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Dmitrovic was given the gloves today in the absence of Bono, who started in the first leg of the tie.
      Elsewhere in the play-off round, Juventus, Sporting and Bayer Leverkusen have all progressed so far.
      Manchester United are also in action in their second leg against Barcelona.
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      They were level after the first leg in the Nou Camp.
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      Arsenal are among those sides awaiting in the next round after bypassing the play-offs. More

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      ‘What’s going on? I love it’ – Man Utd fans full of praise as club change pre-match routine for Barcelona clash

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      MAN UNITED have changed the pre-match routine ahead of their Europa League clash with Barcelona.The club will turn off the music 15 minutes before kick off to allow the atmosphere to build inside Old Trafford.
      Man United are planning to build the atmosphere at Old TraffordCredit: PA
      The two sides go into the match on equal terms after their exciting 2-2 draw in the first leg at the Nou Camp.
      The fans put in a request to the club for the change to happen ahead of the match.
      And the club accepted the change with news reaching fans on social media.
      The supporters have chuffed with the change, as one tweeted: “Bro what’s going on!? I love it ❤️.”
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      A second commented: “15 mins of we want united, I will be there.”
      A third wrote: “It’s gonna be the loudest I’ve heard Old Trafford in years.”
      A fourth said: “This game just screams a famous night at Old Trafford under European lights.
      “I have a feeling this is going to be a 1984 type of performance!”
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      A fifth added: “I think Old Trafford will be the loudest it has ever been tonight.”
      Manager Erik ten Hag has also highlighted the importance of the crowd ahead of the game.
      He told club media: “We are all on a journey together, moving forward game by game.
      “And, tonight, we need the fans, as well as the players, to be at the top of their game, if we are to create a memorable night at Old Trafford.” More

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      Europa League draw simulated as Arsenal land horror opponent and Man Utd get easy route if they beat Barcelona

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could face a dream last-16 tie in the Europa League if they beat Barcelona on Thursday evening.The Red Devils host the LaLiga leaders at Old Trafford seven days after drawing 2-2 at the Nou Camp.
      Manchester United will be in the hat for the last-16 if they can beat BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Mikel Arteta’s men qualified for the last-16 as group winnersCredit: Reuters
      Victory would secure their progress into the next round where they would face one of seven table toppers from the group stage.
      That excludes Arsenal – who they cannot draw due to teams from the same country being unable to face one another until the quarter-final stage.
      And not only will Erik ten Hag’s men dodge the Gunners if they reach the next stage, they will also receive a very kind draw if SunSport’s supercomputer is anything to go by.
      In a simulated draw we have them coming up against Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros.
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      How SunSport’s supercomputer predicted the Europa League last-16 draw
      And while the Red Devils would be aware they are coming up against a side that finished above Monaco in the group stage, Man Utd would undeniably be the overwhelming favourites to reach the last eight.
      By contrast, Premier League leaders Arsenal could be handed a much tougher tie despite winning their group.
      Mikel Arteta’s side won five of their six games as they breezed into the last-16.
      Yet because the Champions League teams have dropped down into the competition to face the group runners-up in a play-off round, there are still some huge teams in the hat.
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      Barcelona are a potential opponent for Arsenal if they come through their tie with Man Utd.
      However, our supercomputer has drawn them against another European giant in the form of Juventus.
      Max Allegri’s team head to France off the back of a 1-1 first-leg draw with Nantes.
      But if they do manage to come through that test, a clash with Arsenal may well be on the horizon.
      Other possible sides the Gunners could face include Ajax, Union Berlin, Roma, Sevilla and Sporting Lisbon.
      And potential ties for Man Utd include the likes of Real Betis, Fenerbahce, Freiburg and Feyenoord.
      The actual draw takes place in Switzerland at 11am BST on Friday, February 24. More

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      Watch Frenkie de Jong ‘check out his new home’ as Man Utd transfer target walks out onto Old Trafford

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      FRENKIE DE JONG finally checked out Old Trafford as he trained there with Barcelona last night.The Dutchman will take on Manchester United in the Europa League this evening.
      Frenkie de Jong walks out at Old TraffordCredit: Twitter @fcbarcelona
      The Dutchman takes in his surroundingsCredit: Twitter @fcbarcelona
      Barca travelled to Manchester yesterday and got a look at their new surroundings during a training session.
      And De Jong may well have wondered what might have been as he trudged out into the famous arena, having been heavily pursued by United last summer.
      The LaLiga leaders posted a short clip on Instagram of their man stepping out at the Theatre of Dreams.
      And United fans couldn’t help but notice.
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      One wrote: “Just checking out his new home for next year.”
      A second tweeted: “Oh yeah, he’s definitely thinking about it.”
      While a third commented: “Finally home.”
      And a fourth added: “He knows this will be his future home.”
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      De Jong, 25, is claimed to have repeatedly turned the Red Devils down, determined to stay at Barcelona.
      And things have so far worked out well for both parties.
      Although they dropped out of the Champions League into the Europa League, domestically Barca sit eight points clear at the top of LaLiga.
      Man United, meanwhile, have enjoyed a great resurgence under De Jong’s former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.

      The Red Devils moved on from De Jong to splash £70million on Casemiro, with the Brazilian having been a revelation.
      United are set to return to the Champions League next season, and sit only five points off the top of the Premier League.
      De Jong chats with Sergio BusquetsCredit: PA More

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      Man Utd takeover by Qataris will be great for club as Sheikh is ‘very good person’ – reveals Barcelona boss Xavi

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      XAVI believes a Qatar takeover will be good for Manchester United.The Barcelona coach played for Qatar side Al Sadd between 2015-19 and went on to coach them from 2019-21.
      Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi warmed up for Thursday’s Europa League second leg at Old Trafford by praising United bidder Sheikh JassimCredit: EPA
      Man Utd would flourish if Sheikh Jassim took over, Xavi suggests
      He was also an ambassador for the recent World Cup and knows United bidder Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani.
      Ahead of Barca’s Europa League match against United he said the club-owning Glazers would do well to accept his bid.
      Xavi said: “I have a good relationship with the Sheikh and I think he would do a good job.
      “I think he is a very good person with serious responsibilities.”
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      Sheikh Jassim is up against Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group to take control of the club after the Glazer’s put it up for sale for around £6billion.
      In a statement last week Sheikh Jassim made his intentions clear to buy the club out right and make it number one again.
      His statement said: “The bid plans to return the club to its former glories both on and off the pitch, and – above all – will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football club once more.
      “The bid will be completely debt free via Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation, which will look to invest in the football teams, the training centre, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience and the communities the club supports.
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      “The vision of the bid is for Manchester United Football Club to be renowned for footballing excellence, and regarded as the greatest football club in the world.”
      Xavi also believes that the Sheikh would be buying a club on the up again under Erik Ten Hag’s management.
      He said: “Manchester United are one of the best teams in Europe at the minute, showing their quality and competitiveness through great results.
      “They’re the best United I’ve seen in the last few years, with a great coach, and great players who show a lot of personality and passion.”
      To beat them tonight Barcelona will have to try and keep Marcus Rashford quiet.
      He scored in the 2-2 first leg of this tie, which has a place in the last 16 of the competitions as the reward.
      After his double at the weekend against Leicester he now has 16 in his last 17 games since returning from the World Cup and 24 in all for the season.
      Centre-back Joules Kounde had a tough time handling him in the first leg and Ten Hag was furious that he had not been sent off when coming into contact with the England international as he broke away in the second-half.
      But Kounde said: “I think it was 50-50. There is contact but I think it’s very light.
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      “I think it’s very light and the referee decided to not give me a red card, so I don’t feel lucky. I feel it’s part of the decision of the referee.
      “It’s true that I think I could have been sent off because it was 50-50 but the referee made the decision and obviously I’m very happy.” More

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      Man Utd icon Robin van Persie spotted at Carrington training ahead of crunch Europa League clash with Barcelona

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      FORMER Manchester United star Robin van Persie was back at Carrington as his old side prepared for the second leg of their Europa League play-off against Barcelona. Van Persie was an interested onlooker as Erik ten Hag put his United players through their paces.
      RVP meets with Bruno Fernandes
      De Gea looks delighted to see his old pal back at training
      Harry Maguire welcomes the club legend back with a smile
      Robin van Persie training with Manchester United during his time at the club.Credit: Getty – Contributor
      The Europa League tie is evenly poised after the first leg finished 2-2 in the Nou Camp.
      Fans took to Twitter to react to the news with many pleased to see the 39-year-old.
      One user commented: ” My favourite player.”
      Another added: ” Give him 1 month to get back in shape! We need him as a striker for the rest of season, he’s younger than Zlatan.”
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      A third said: “He’s deffo going to be our striker coach soon it’s so obvious.”
      A fourth commented: “I miss him.”
      The Dutchman joined the Red Devils from rivals Arsenal for an initial £22.5million in 2012.
      Van Persie spent three years at Old Trafford scoring 48 goals in 86 appearances, winning the Premier League during his first season at the club.
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      United have been in fine form this season and sit third in the Premier League five points behind leaders Arsenal.
      The second leg takes place on Thursday night at Old Trafford with a place in the last 16 up for grabs. More