The players of Barcelona and Manchester United played an excellent match of the Europa League playoffs, which ended with a score of 2:2, and the coach of the Red Devils, Erik Ten Hag, believes that his team was a better rival.
“I think we dictated the game, except for 15 minutes of the first half, when we had difficulties. We dictated the rest of the match and had many chances. I’m disappointed that it was 0:0 at halftime because we had opportunities that we created nicely. Overall, it was a great game. Two attacking teams. It was like a Champions League game, and more, so I really enjoyed it. It ended 2:2, but we have work to do at Old Trafford. After a match like this, everyone will want to watch that match,” says Ten Hag.
United also showed mental strength, they managed to come back quickly after Barcelona took the lead.
“There is a lot of character and determination in this team. Belief in that first goal was important, and we were not the first to do it. Then we managed to turn it around, although the refereeing also had an impact in this match. I think it was a clear foul on Rashford in a goal chance. It can be discussed whether it was outside or inside, but then it is also a red card because he was one on one with the goalkeeper. That is a big influence, not only for the match, but also for the whole double match, referees should not make such mistakes”, added the Dutchman.
Ten Hag said after the match that he was satisfied with the work of the entire team.
“Of course I will praise Rashford because he is in great form, but the whole team was good. It was a good team thing. It’s not just about Veghorst, we were generally good at that place. There are a lot of variations, because I also want Sancho and Bruno in those positions with a little space, so that they can run between the lines. With the addition of defenders, we should have had many chances and we should have won the game”, concluded United’s manager Erik Ten Hag.
