Manchester United and Barcelona wanted a reboot however at the moment are in a excellent place to make each and every different higher, United trainer Erik Ten Hag stated forward of the primary leg in their Europa League knockout-round conflict on Thursday.
The groups have met steadily within the Champions League through the years and Ten Hag does no longer see a lot distinction within the stage of play between his aspect and the Spanish LaLiga leaders.
“Each golf equipment have the ambition to be within the Champions League and to have an have an effect on in it, however the fact is, we’re within the Europa League, which displays each golf equipment wanted a reset,” Ten Hag informed journalists on Wednesday.
“I believe it’s thrilling to stand each and every different the next day evening as a result of it’ll lend a hand each golf equipment. We each are in the proper course, is a superb style for each groups, from demanding situations you recuperate.”
The Dutch trainer praised Xavi Hernandez’s workforce, who lead Actual Madrid by means of 11 issues and feature conceded simplest seven targets in 21 league video games with a taking part in taste made well-known by means of former Dutch nice Johan Cruyff.
“Barca could be very tricky, they’re taking part in their perfect soccer in a few years, you notice their means of taking part in and the affect of Johan Cruyff,” stated Ten Hag.
“Whilst you see their stats it’s spectacular, they shield smartly, however their largest talent is the ownership.”
United can be hampered by means of the absences of Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer because of suspension, in addition to Antony, Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay who’re injured.
Ten Hag stated they have been heading in the right direction to go back to motion forward of the League Cup ultimate towards Newcastle United on Feb. 26 when Manchester United will bid to win their first primary trophy since 2017.