Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag termed his team’s 2-1 Europa League victory over Barcelona yesterday as his “biggest win” at the club.
Ten Hag’s team and Laliga table leaders Barcelona faced off at Old Trafford in their Europa League play-off second leg, and thanks to Fred and substitute Anthony, the Red Devils were able to come overcome the Bluagrana.
The two in-form sides had been involved in a two all stalemate in the first leg, and it looked set to head that way had Raphael Varane not produced a topnotch clearance off the line at the death.
Ten Hag’s charges held on for that 4-3 victory on aggregate, and after the game, he was asked by BT Sport if this was his biggest win. His response?
“I think so, yes. We’ve had some good wins – Liverpool and Arsenal at home. I think this, over two legs, against Barcelona – leaders in LaLiga, eight points ahead of Real Madrid.
“We have all seen Real Madrid this week. So if you can beat them, then yes, this is my biggest win.”
To secure their spot in the last 16, Manchester United were made to toil. They had to come from behind to win that game after Robert Lewandowski had put his side Infront early in the first half.
After completing the comeback, the Dutchman praised his side for the mentality showed.
“We have some great personalities in the team – like with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. They come forward. Antony and Garnacho don’t fear anyone and we have more. Bruno, Casemiro.
“We have some great personalities so even when we get setbacks, they move on. They are resilient and they are focused on getting the result even after conceding a cheap penalty. They believe they can turn it around.”
Ten Hag and his boys now turn attention to the Carabao Cup final that will be played at Wembley on Sunday.
They have Eddie Howie’s Newcastle to contend with as they look to lay hands on a first trophy since 2017.
