15 February 2023 , 15:55
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Manchester United head to Barcelona in fine form but with injuries and suspension ensuring a headache for boss Erik ten Hag.
With Marcel Sabitzer unavailable due to suspension and Christian Eriksen, Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay injured, the central midfield trio that the Dutchman will use at Camp Now practically picks itself, with vice-captain Bruno Fernandes, former Real Madrid man Casemiro and Fred all set to start. Youngster Kobbie Mainoo is the only outright central midfielder who has travelled as cover.
In defence, the absence of Lisandro Martinez - having landed himself three yellow cards during the group stage - means Ten Hag must decide on the make up of his backline. Does he start with Luke Shaw at centre-back - as he did in the win at Leeds on Sunday - or move the England international back to his more nominal position at left-back?
Doing that would mean the Dutchman not being able to play with his preference of a right-footer and a left-footer at centre-back, meaning either Victor Lindelof or club captain Harry Maguire starting alongside Raphael Varane.
Further forwards, both Antony and Anthony Martial are again absent, but there are no shortage of attacking options, led by red-hot Marcus Rashford.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
Whether he plays from off the flank or through the middle will dictate whether the likes of Wout Weghorst or Alejandro Garnacho are named in the starting lineup, while Jadon Sancho, having played for 90 minutes across the Leeds double-header, will also hope to get the nod in Catalunya.
Where will Rashford be used in Barcelona? (Offside via Getty Images)Barcelona coach Xavi was full of praise for Ten Hag on Wednesday, and how has transformed Manchester United this season. He said: “Ten Hag is a great coach. In my mind I believe that somehow [reversing] the situation of United was no easy task and he’s accomplishing it.
“They are excited again, the club, the fanbase and also the way they play does a lot. He changes things offensively, defensively, everyone’s working very well, so it’s a tough rival for us and he’s a very interesting coach.
“In my mind, he does great things – you know, variants of the line of three, the side players go inside, a lot of people go into the offence.
“He’s an offensive coach, I believe, and he proves that in most of his games. I believe he’s a reference for offensive coaches who like this kind of football.”
Man Utd squad for Barcelona away
Goalkeepers: David De Gea, Tom Heaton, Jack Butland
Defenders: Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia, Raphael Varane, Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Brandon Williams
Midfielders : Bruno Fernandes, Fred, Casemiro, Facundo Pellistri, Zidane Iqbal, Kobbie Mainoo
Forwards: Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Wout Weghorst, Anthony Elanga, Alejandro Garnacho.
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