Erik ten Hag on Meeting Barcelona in Europa League Round-of-16 Play-off

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said he would have preferred to face Barcelona in the final of the Europa League rather than in the round-of-16 play-off.

Manchester United and FC Barcelona will square off in a two-legged play-off for a place in the round-of-16 of the Europa League. The Red Devils finished second behind Real Sociedad in Group E of the Europa League 22/23 campaign. That meant Manchester United would have to play in the play-off and win the tie to progress to the round-of-16.

Barcelona, meanwhile, were knocked out of the Champions League group after finishing third in Group C. However, their third place in Group C earned them a spot in the Europa League round-of-16 play-off draw. Manchester United and Barcelona were drawn against each other in that draw.

The first leg of the knockout round play-off between Manchester United and Barcelona will kick off at 11:15 pm IST on February 16. Camp Nou will host the fixture.

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Erik ten Hag would have preferred facing Barcelona in Europa League final

Speaking to UEFA.com at the recent Elite Coaches Forum at UEFA Headquarters in Nyon, Erik ten Hag revealed he would have preferred to face Barcelona in the final of the Europa League.

Erik ten Hag also expects the Barcelona vs Manchester United fixture will be a game that is played at the highest level.

“I think Barcelona and [us] as well [would] have preferred to play [this match] in the final. We are looking forward [to it], it [takes] a lot of energy searching for that finish, and it will be a great game. Hopefully, everyone is fit for Barcelona and for us. So, we see a game [that will be played] at the highest level,” Erik ten Hag said.

Erik ten Hag also had words of praise for Barcelona manager Xavi, who he admires as a player. The Manchester United manager said he likes Xavi’s Barcelona and the attacking way they play.

“As a player, I admire [Xavi Hernández]. Barcelona, the way [they] played with him: he was such an important part of the team, you can see that the philosophy he now brings [to the team] is his Barcelona,” Erik ten Hag said.

He added: “I really like his team, the attacking way of play. I think he is [heading] in the right direction. I think it’s going to be a good challenge between Manchester United and Barcelona.”

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