Erik Ten Hag keeps his words, outclassed Xavi as Man United progresses for the next stage of the Europa League

Yes, it was an Europa League game, but Old Trafford had the atmosphere of an European night hovering all over it.

 

Erik Ten Hag and his players made the most of it as they shocked Xavi Hernandez's Barcelona from behind to claim a 2-1 victory and advance to the next stage of the Europa League.

 

The Red Devils had the best chance to take the lead in the opening minutes of the first half, but Bruno Fernandes wasn't clinical enough with his finishing as Ter Stegen kept out his shot.

 

The captain of the occasion was found guilty of some clumsy tackling on Balde in the box, which resulted in a Barcelona penalty, which Robert Lewandoski dispatched to give the Catalans the lead. The Red Devils didn't have much to play for in the first half as they were dominated by the visitors.

 

The second half resumed with Erik Ten Hag replacing Wout Weghorst with Antony Santos, whose presence changed the game. Two minutes into the second half, Fred found space after Bruno Fernandes' pass picked him up at the edge of the box to level things up for the Red Devils.

 

In the 73rd minute, Luke Shaw's back heel prevented the ball from going out of play and fell to Barcelona's Raphinha, but the winger wasn't aware that Bruno Fernandes was closing in on him, and the Portuguese muscled his former teammate off the ball before laying the pass to Alejandro Gernacho. The young Argentine saw his shot blocked, Fred's rebound was blocked as well, before Antony calmly put the ball to the bottom corner of Ter Stegen's net to put the hosts in front.

 

David De Gea was in his usual mood as he parried a Kounde's shot over the post. Raphael Varane ensured the Red Devils scaled through and preserved their lead after he hacked clear Robert Lewandoski's shot; the Polish had beaten David De Gea, who couldn't keep out the striker's shot.

 

It was a big night for Erik Ten Hag's men, and this result will surely spur them on. Here are a few takeaways from the memorable night at Old Trafford.

 

* Erik Ten Hag is the Man

 

The 53-year-old is obviously the brain behind the brilliant season the Red Devils are experiencing.

 

The former Ajax manager was quick to react to the needed changes on the pitch, taking off Wout Weghorst at halftime, Jadon Sancho, and Aaron Wan Bissaka later on. 

 

The manager delivered excellently on Thursday night, just as he promised last Sunday after Leicester City's victory. He outclassed Xavi Hernandez tactically as he orchestrated another win while influencing the game from the sidelines.

 

* Unreal  David de Gea

 

He will have Raphael Varane to thank for making him the perfect goalkeeper; the French star was in perfect position to keep out Lewandowski's shot after the Spaniard was beaten by Barcelona's striker.

 

De Gea also played a decisive role by keeping out Kounde's header and keeping the score at 1-0; he was unlucky not to have completely kept out Lewandoski's penalty.

 

* Anthony Bongo Nito

 

The Brazilian returned to the team with a big goal, a big bang.

 

He was out for almost two weeks due to injury but was passed fit for the Thursday game; however, no one would have expected him to return so early to the pitch.

 

Well, Bongo Nito is ready to fire up again as he capped a brilliant return with a goal that ensures Manchester United continues to compete on all fronts this season.

 

* Fred the Red

 

The 29-year-old has been excellent for the Red Devils this season, stepping up when it mattered. His brilliant goal means he has been involved in six goals in the last eight games for Erik Ten Hag's side.

 

He has been a donkey in the middle for the Red Devils, tackling, intercepting, moving the ball into the final third, assisting, and scoring. He is having his best season yet as a Manchester United player.

 

* Man United sends out a statement.

 

For a team that has been heavily criticized and also fell short of expectations at the start of the season, Manchester United's players have passed another great test in the best manner possible.

 

Well, you could argue that Xavi Hernandez's side aren't so great at European games this season, but for Manchester United to stage a comeback against Barcelona twice in different games, there's something serious about this team under the current manager.