Erik ten Hag aims to for Europa League victory at Barcelona in the 'Manchester United way' in playoff clash
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Updated 16/02/2023 at 19:54 GMT
Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag admitted that Barcelona were a difficult team to take on, but said that his side would be positive in their approach in the first leg of their Europa League playoff clash in Spain. He noted that he could call upon former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro, who has years of experience in La Liga to help combat the home side.
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Erik ten Hag is not just aiming for victory at Barcelona in Manchester United's Europa League playoff clash, but hoping to “win in a Manchester United way”.
The Dutchman takes charge of his first European knockout tie as United manager, facing a Barcelona side who lead La Liga but failed to qualify from the Champions League group stages.
They are perhaps the toughest opponents Man Utd could have drawn, and speaking to BT Sport ahead of kick-off, Ten Hag admitted it was a tough test.
“You don’t have any influence on the draw, it’s what you get you have to beat, and that’s why we’re here,” he said.
Casemiro, currently suspended for domestic matches after a sending off against Crystal Palace, was praised by Ten Hag as he was recalled to a starting line-up with plenty of experience.
Ten Hag said: “Casemiro has a really strong effect on our game...composure, positioning, coaching, everyone is more confident when he’s on the pitch.”
Despite coming into the game as underdogs, Ten Hag was optimistic of his side’s chances of success, and suggested they would not play defensively.
"We have a strong counter, but we need to bring Barca out of their comfort zone, so we will press them high when possible.
“We have players who are capable to play so we will play, we have to go forward.
“There is a line of a lot of Dutch players and managers with Barcelona, I am aware of it, but I am here for Man Utd and I want to win, and win in a Man Utd way.”
Barcelona are six points ahead of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga after 21 games.
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