23 February 2023 , 18:24
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Robin van Persie believes Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford can inspire Manchester United to victory against Barcelona.
United take on Xavi's side at Old Trafford on Thursday night, with a spot in the last 16 of the Europa League at stake. The first leg at the Camp Nou finished 2-2, and the winners of the upcoming game will be regarded as one of the favourites for the tournament.
Van Persie, who inspired United to the Premier League title a decade ago, visited Old Trafford on Wednesday to watch training and speak to manager Erik ten Hag for a TV interview. He is expecting Thursday night's game to be a "special" occasion.
Van Persie spoke to United's in-house media team during his visit to their Carrington training ground. When asked if he could sense something "special" was brewing at Old Trafford, the former Arsenal striker replied: "I can feel that. Just by simple things."
Van Persie, who was linked with the assistant manager role at United last summer, added: "People are really happy to see Manchester United play. The whole energy around the club is so much more positive than it used to be in the last few years.
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"So that is like, Erik [ten Hag] earns credit for that, but the players as well. Everyone earns credit. It's nice to see the whole energy around the club is so much more positive and the guys are working very hard for that."
Robin Van Persie believes Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes can fire Man United to victory against Barcelona (Visionhaus/Getty Images)Do you think Manchester United will beat Barcelona on Thursday night? Let us know in the comments below!
Van Persie then described the first leg between United and Barcelona as a "Champions League-worth fixture" before adding: They [United players and fans] know, sooner or later in a match, Marcus Rashford will have his moment. Bruno Fernandes is there.
"You have quality players in front who can make the difference. In any normal game, they will make that difference. It's all to play for now.
"From the fans' point of view, it's a joy to watch. Both teams want to attack, both want to play dominant football, both are very fit. I'm really looking forward to it."
United boss Ten Hag is expected to rotate his squad ahead of Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Newcastle at Wembley. Although the Barcelona game is very important, the Red Devils have not won a trophy since May 2017 and are desperate to end their wait.
Ten Hag's side will be confident of beating Barcelona and winning the Europa League, with a number of teams aiming to reach the final in Budapest on May 31. The likes of Juventus, Ajax and Roma will all need to progress from Thursday night's play-off round first.
Eight sides have already qualified for the last 16 of the Europa League after topping their respective groups. Those teams are Ferencvaros, Union Saint-Gilloise, Fenerbahce, Real Sociedad, Real Betis, Feyenoord, Frieburg and Premier League leaders Arsenal.