This season, Manchester United had a remarkable Europa League run, coming from behind to defeat Barcelona 2-1 and advance to the round of 16. In doing so, they became the first team in this year’s tournament to score six goals off substitutes.
Robert Lewandowski scored a penalty kick for the La Liga leaders after Bruno Fernandes fouled Alejandro Balde. Fred and Antony, both of whom entered the game as second-half substitutes, changed the course of the match with low first-time shots that elicited jubilation from the Stretford End.
The victory signifies a successful return to form for United, who will now face Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final in search of their first trophy since 2017. David de Gea, Rafael Varane, Licha, Casemiro, and Bruno Fernandes are just a few of the winning personalities on Erik ten Hag’s squad, which has contributed to their success against top teams.
President Joan Laporta of FC Barcelona was disappointed after his team was eliminated from European competition for the first time in 22 years. The loss was also Barcelona’s first since October and ended an unbeaten streak of 18 matches.
Fred scored the equaliser for United two minutes into the second half, and Ten Hag praised him after the game. Since his £47 million transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk to Manchester United in 2018, the midfielder has had a number of detractors, but Ten Hag noted that anyone capable of playing regularly for Brazil must be a good player. Fred’s goal was an outstanding effort as he manoeuvred into space on the perimeter of the penalty area and then drilled the ball past Frenkie de Jong.
Prior to kickoff, United honoured legendary BBC commentator John Motson by placing a photograph of him alongside a candle on one of the press box tables. After the final whistle at Old Trafford, Ten Hag and his coaching staff celebrated, knowing they had made significant strides since last season.
Manchester United stunned Barcelona in the Round of 16 of the Europa League to advance to Wembley, where they will face Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final. The Red Devils scored two goals via substitutes in the second half to seal their victory, becoming the first team in the tournament this season to score six goals via substitutes.
Barcelona’s 18-match unbeaten streak came to an end with their loss, marking the first time since 1998-1999 that they were eliminated from European competition before reaching the round of 16. Despite this loss, Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag praised his team’s performance. He highlighted Fred’s contribution, who scored the equaliser for United two minutes into the second half.
Prior to kickoff, United honoured legendary BBC commentator John Motson by placing a photograph of him alongside a candle on one of the press box tables. Ten Hag and his staff celebrated after the final whistle at Old Trafford, knowing they had made significant strides since the previous season and are now aiming to win their first trophy since 2017.
