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      Why is Lisandro Martinez not playing for Man Utd against Barcelona?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are playing Barcelona in a knockout Europa League match TOMORROW – but Lisandro Martinez is unavailable.The Red Devils finished second in their Europa League group on goal difference to Real Sociedad.
      Lisandro Martinez will miss Manchester United’s first leg against BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      This puts them in a playoff knockout where they were drawn to play against Spanish giants Barcelona.
      And Erik Ten Hag will have to navigate his way through the first leg without Martinez.
      Why is Lisandro Martinez not playing against Barcelona?
      Lisandro Martinez picked up THREE yellow cards in United’s six group-stage games.
      He received these yellow cards against Omonia and Real Sociedad twice.
      UEFA rules state “In the Champions League and Europa League, players will be banned for receiving three yellow cards” More

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      Three ways Man Utd could line up against Barcelona with injury concerns and two key stars SUSPENDED

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      ERIK TEN HAG faces a huge selection dilemma when Manchester United face Barcelona on Thursday. This is because usual starters Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer are both suspended for the first leg after both picked up three yellow cards in the Europa and Champions League group stages respectively.
      How Man Utd could line up against Barcelona
      Injuries to Antony, Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial also limit Ten Hag’s choices further, with Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beel long-term absentees.
      With this in mind, SunSport have taken a look at how Man Utd could line up for the tie.
      The first and most likely line up will see Casemiro return to defensive midfield alongside Fred.
      Harry Maguire will also partner Raphael Varane in defence after he was rested in the 2-0 win at Leeds, with Luke Shaw shifted back out at left-back in front of David De Gea.
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      Jadon Sancho will continue his comeback by appearing on the right flank in support of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Wout Weghorst.
      An alternative starting XI could see Victor Lindelof play on the left of the defence with Tyrell Malacia at left-back.
      Super sub Alejandro Garncho will also come back into the starting XI in favour of Sancho.
      But this will likely push Rashford to the right wing once again – despite his relative ineffectiveness there.
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      An alternative look at the potential starting XI
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      However, Ten Hag has been known to experiment with his teams.
      He could consequently shake up the team by utilising a few players in different positions.
      A return to the Leeds back line with Varane replacing the suspended Martinez alongside left centre-back Shaw could beckon for the Red Devils.
      Lindelof could also come into defensive midfield alongside Casemiro for a more defensive minded set-up.
      Ten Hag recently spoke about the Swede’s ability to play as a defensive midfielder.
      He said: “He was educated as a six, a control, holding midfielder in Benfica, I know he can do that.
      “We tried it in training, maybe one game, I want my centre halves in midfield positions so we create dynamics to construct more dynamic.”
      In the attacking four, Fernandes could be shifted to the right-wing – where he has often been deployed towards the end of games – while Weghorst comes into the number 10.
      The move was hailed as “genius” by fans as it helped United unlock the Leeds defence, with Rashford looking far more potent playing just in front of him as the sides most advanced forward.
      An experimental look at United’s potential XI More

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      Man Utd stars drive into training in style in plush cars before jetting to Barcelona for Europa clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED arrived at training in style ahead of their trip to Barcelona.The Red Devils take on the La Liga leaders in the first leg of their Europa League tie on Thursday.
      Marcus Rashford showed up in his £280,000 McLarenCredit: Zenpix
      Harry Maguire prepares for training after playing at the weekendCredit: Zenpix
      Lisandro Martinez was accompanied by a friend on his way into trainingCredit: Zenpix
      Brandom Williams arrived in a flash carCredit: Zenpix
      Fred could play a big role against BarcelonaCredit: Zenpix
      United stars arrived at Carrington to train ahead of their trip to the Nou Camp.
      Marcus Rashford turned up in a fancy McLaren with a personalised ‘R10 LTM’ number plate.
      The luxurious McLaren 765 Long Tail is worth an estimated £280,000.
      The car has a top speed of 205mph, hitting 60mph in just 2.1 seconds.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Rashford’s team-mates Fred and Brandon Wiliams were also spotted driving into the training complex.
      While Bruno Fernandes also looked stylish arriving in his Mercedes-Benz GLC-Coupe.
      World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez turned up in a flashy black Audi with Harry Maguire in a Range Rover.
      The United squad will be hopeful of picking up a result to take back to Manchester and have been boosted by the news Ousmane Dembele is unavailable for the clash.
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      The Barcelona winger has impressed this season but is absent with a thigh injury he picked up at the end of last month.
      In-form Rashford could be key for the Red Devils following a return of 13 goals in his last 15 games.
      But Xavi reportedly has a plan to stop him – by making central defender Ronald Auraujo man-mark him out of the game. More

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      How Man Utd lined up last time they beat Barcelona with just two players from ENTIRE SQUAD still playing

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      MANCHESTER UNITED head to the Nou Camp aiming to beat Barcelona for the first time in FIFTEEN years.Erik ten Hag’s side drew the Spanish giants in a blockbuster Europa League play-off tie.
      Manchester United beat Barcelona most recently in 2008Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      United have lost their last four meetings with Barca – the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals and the 2019 quarter-finals.
      But they got the better of Frank Rijkaard’s men in the semi-finals in 2008 to book their place in the final, where they beat Chelsea on penalties in Moscow.
      The first leg ended 0-0 in Spain before a 1-0 win back at Old Trafford on April 29.
      Paul Scholes scored a stunning effort to seal the tie, letting fly from 25 yards to beat Victor Valdes – although the midfielder later admitted it was a miskicked slice.
      READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
      Now, though, just two members of United’s entire squad from that memorable night are still playing professional football.
      Those two are Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently left the Red Devils again for Al-Nassr, and unused sub Danny Welbeck, still in the Premier League with Brighton.
      Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes up front alongside Carlos Tevez.
      Scholes lined up in the middle of the park with Michael Carrick, who is now trying to lead Middlesbrough to promotion in his first managerial job.
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      Nani and Park Ji-Sung were the wide men under Sir Alex Ferguson with a back four of Owen Hargreaves, Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown and Patrice Evra.
      Edwin van der Sar was in goal with Darren Fletcher, Ryan Giggs and Mikael Silvestre coming off the bench.
      Tomasz Kuszczak, Anderson and John O’Shea remained on the bench alongside Welbeck.
      For Barca, Lionel Messi is the only member of the squad still with a club, and a Champions League one at that with Paris Saint-Germain, with Bojan recently leaving Vissel Kobe.
      Among the starters for the Catalan club in Manchester were Puyol, Andres Iniesta, Yaya Toure, Samuel Eto’o and now-manager Xavi – while Thierry Henry came off the bench.
      Paul Scholes scored the only goal of the Champions League semi-final tieCredit: PA
      Cristiano Ronaldo came out on the winning sideCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Lionel Messi is the only player from the two squads still an active Champions League playerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Man Utd boost as key Barcelona star not in squad for Europa League clash following injury

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      OUSMANE DEMBELE is not in Barcelona’s squad to face Manchester United.The LaLiga side welcome United to the Nou Camp in the Europa League Round of 32 but will be without their key man.
      Ousmane Dembele is missing due to injuryCredit: AFP
      Barca announced their 22-man squad for the clash which includes Robert Lewandowski and Red Devils transfer target Frenkie de Jong.
      But Dembele is absent with a thigh injury keeping him out of action.
      The winger suffered the injury against Girona at the end of January and was forced off in that game.
      He is also expected to miss the return leg at Old Trafford next week in what is a big boost to Erik ten Hag’s side.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Dembele has impressed this season and has been a key part of Barcelona’s attack with eight goals and seven assists in all competitions.
      Barcelona boss Xavi has called upon Raphinha in his absence with Gavi operating at left-wing.
      Despite Dembele’s quality he has not been missed with Barca winning three out of three since he was sidelined.
      Wonderkid Ansu Fati or former Manchester City star Ferran Torres could also be given a chance to shine in Thursday’s clash.
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      United have reportedly “been in contact” with Fati over a potential summer transfer with the youngster also interesting Arsenal and Liverpool.
      And while the Red Devils will be aware of the threat posed by Barca, Xavi is concerned with the danger of Marcus Rashford.
      He said in his pre-match press conference: “I fully agree with that. Rashford is one of the most dangrous players in Europe.
      “He is very fast, very good at dribbling one-on-one and very dangerous in the transition.
      “So we are going to have to take care against him.” More

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      Why are Arsenal not playing in the Europa League this week?

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      THIS week is jam-packed with European football with various Europa League matches, including teams such as Ajax and Roma. Most notably, Manchester Utd are taking on Spanish league leaders Barcelona in a heavyweight matchup.
      Arsenal celebrating Europa League winCredit: Getty
      Arsenal are playing Manchester City in the Premier League in a title decisive fixture on Wednesday.
      Arsenal are also in the Europa League but will not be playing against any opponent this week.
      Why are Arsenal not playing in the Europa League this week?
      The eight Europa League games this week are part of the last-32 play-off games.
      Teams taking part in this round of Europa League either finished second in their group OR finished third in their Champions League group.
      Arsenal finished first in their Europa League group, this means they don’t need to take part in the RO32 because they have secured their spot in the last 16.
      When do Arsenal play next in the Europa League?

      After the round of Europa League games this week, there will be a draw on February 24.
      In this draw, Arsenal will find out who their opponents will be in the RO16.
      Arsenal will then play their next Europa League match on the 9th and 16th March. More

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      Forgotten Man Utd star opens up on how Fergie persuaded him to join Golden Generation and losing bet to Cantona

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      BARCELONA Sporting Director Jordi Cruyff has been looking back on his time at Old Trafford ahead of the first leg of the two clubs’ Europa League clash. The Dutchman signed for Manchester United back in August 1996 for £1.4m having made 41 appearances and scoring 11 goals for the Catalan giants.
      Jordi Cruyff in action for Manchester United in the 1996 Champions LeagueCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Jordi Cruyff of Manchester United in action during a pre-season friendly match against Wigan Athletic in 1999.Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      The son of footballing legend Johan Cruyff was at a crossroads in his career, his dad had just been sacked as coach of Barcelona and although he wanted to stay he knew he would be compared to his father.
      The midfielder wasn’t short of options with Atletico Madrid interested and a deal with Ajax was very close until United swooped in.
      Speaking to Marca Cruyff has been looking back on his time with the Old Trafford club.
      He said: “Alex Ferguson travelled to Barcelona accompanied by two senior United leaders.
      “That detail was already very special. He came to my house and convinced me of his project .
      “He had a young team and wanted to recruit more young people. I liked the project, I liked the contract and that he came to my house.”
      At the time it may not have been clear but Cruyff arrived in what would be a golden generation for United culminating with the treble in 1999 although he spent the second half of that season on loan at Celta Vigo.
      Cruyff was surrounded by quality players during his time in Manchester but two that stood out were Eric Cantona and David Beckham.
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      The Dutchman had fond memories of Cantona during their time as team mates.
      He said: “He was the veteran who took care of the young newcomers. Poborsky, Solskjaer and I were a bit lost at first.
      He added: “Well, he came to pick us up at the hotel and when training was over he waited for us and brought us back and so on for a few weeks. I didn’t expect it from a person like that”
      The former Barcelona player also recalls a bet he lost with Cantona.
      He said: “One day, talking about our future, we bet on who would leave United first. I was very clear that it would be me.
      “He, being a god in this club, could stay for the rest of his life. We bet and I lost. I realized then that he had already taken the decision to retire.”
      As well as his ability Cruyff was really impressed by Beckham’s professionalism.
      He said: “Another one who stayed another half hour, three or four times a week, doing exercises to improve.
      “He had talent, yes, but he worked. He had that professional mentality that made him become a star. He was a hard worker.”
      Cruyff, now Barcelona’s sporting adviser, had some words of warning about Old Trafford ahead of the Catalan side’s trip there in the second leg.
      He said: “When you play at Old Trafford you realize that the stadium roars. It’s a cliché, but it’s true; United don’t play with 11, they are 12.”
      He continued: “We’ll see it in the second leg now that the team is improving after difficult years. The fans will not speak in the two days before to have their voices ready and not stop shouting during the game”.
      Read More on The Sun
      Manchester United travel to the Nou Camp for the first leg on Thursday, February 16 with the return leg at Old Trafford on Thursday, February 23. More

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      Man Utd warned about Barcelona’s ‘surprising’ new tactic ahead of Europa League clash in huge style change

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been issued a warning about a “surprising” new tactic being used by Barcelona.The Red Devils travel to the Nou Camp for the first of a two-legged Europa League play-off on Thursday.
      Erik ten Hag takes Manchester United to Barcelona on ThursdayCredit: Getty
      He has been warned about a new ‘surprising’ tactic being used by BarcaCredit: Rex
      Both teams go into the showdown in impressive form.
      United have recorded five wins out of their last six matches while Barcelona are 11 points clear at the top of LaLiga.
      Spanish star Pedri, 20, secured their latest victory as they triumphed 1-0 at Villarreal on Sunday.
      The Yellow Submarine are managed by Quique Setien, who was in charge of the Blaugrana in 2020, and it is he who has highlighted the new tactic being deployed by his old club.
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      Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, he said: “There is something that this Barcelona team has changed a lot, which is without the ball.
      “The data is there, Barcelona are the team that runs the most without the ball.

      “Seems surprising, doesn’t it?”
      Both Pedri and Gavi have played a key role in the resurgence of Barca this term as head coach Xavi puts a greater emphasis on the distance covered by his players and pressing the opposition.
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      He even said that striker Robert Lewandowski is his “first defender” after Sunday’s win.
      And that is something that his United counterpart Erik ten Hag will have to ensure his team are ready to deal with.
      However, Barcelona have suffered one major blow in the build-up to the game.
      Their influential captain and midfield maestro Sergio Busquets has been ruled out of the clash after suffering an ankle injury recently against Sevilla. More