Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has praised the impact of his Manchester United counterpart, Erik ten Hag after their 2-2 draw in the Europa League knockout round playoffs on Thursday.
Four goals in the second half from Marcos Alonso, Raphinha, Jules Kounde (own goal) and Marcus Rashford produced an electric atmosphere at the Camp Nou.
United were admired for their fighting spirit despite going behind but still put pressure on the Catalan giants to force their way back.
The result was a huge one for United considering they had to do without a number of key players that included Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer who were suspended while the likes of Antony, Christian Eriksen and Anthony Martial are nursing injuries.
All these factors gave credence to the transformation that has been experienced at the club under Ten Hag.
“United are one of the best teams in Europe,” Xavi said as per Man United’s website.
“As a block, as a team, they work together. They are properly coached by a good coach and we competed against them, with a great attitude at the same intensity, equalling [them] in many ways.
“I like the rush in the end because, in the past, we would go down mentally when behind. The stakes will be high at Old Trafford but I’m proud we gave our all.
“They are amazing in transition so we wanted to avoid transitions by putting pressure on. We made it sometimes but they are good players – Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes is very good with long-distance passes. I think they are high-level players and we have played against a major team.
“Just respect to him [Ten Hag] but we also generated many opportunities. They have to believe this as it was a very well matched game, a very equal game. I have a bittersweet feeling as we could have won against this great team and scored many goals as well.”
Barcelona will have to contend without midfield maestro Gavi for the second leg at Old Trafford due to suspension while his partner Pedri could miss out after going off injured in the first leg.
United meanwhile will welcome back Martinez and Sabitzer from suspension.
