Manchester United's midfielder Fred has the confidence and experience to record a win at the Nou Camp when Manchester United face Barcelona in the Europa League.
The 29-year-old started for Manchester United the last time the two sides met in the UEFA Champions League, back in 2019. It was a 3-0 defeat for the Red Devils in what was Fred's first season in a red shirt.
Casemiro and Raphael Varane Varane are accustomed to playing against the Catalan giants and give their time to their bitter rivals, Real Madrid.
With Manchester United on a fantastic run since the restart of domestic football, Erik Ten Hag's side has lost just one in 15 games across all competitions, and several players having the knowledge of playing against the Catalan, Fred believes that the Red Devils can make positive strides against a rejuvenated Xavi Hernandez's Barcelona.
“We have good experience, but now we just need to win,” Fred told the club's media ahead of Thursday’s first leg at the home of the La Liga side.
“I know it’s difficult to play in the Camp Nou; we know they have good players, but we can win."
“We know everything about the Camp Nou, but we have enough players with experience to go to the Camp Nou and win this game.”
The Red Devils' number 17 gave insights on what he and his teammates must do to overcome imperious Barcelona's defense.
“I think both Rapha and Case, as well as De Gea, have a lot of games against Barcelona,” the midfielder added.
“So, we have a lot of players that have good experience, so I think it can make a difference inside the pitch." "Like I say, everyone will try their best to win this game.”
The Brazilian also believes that Manchester United's form at Old Trafford will play a vital role as they seek to progress to the next stage of the Europa League competition, but states that Man United are not expecting an easy tie against the La Liga leaders.
“We expect it to be a difficult game; everyone knows about Barcelona. We need to be careful, but it’s the Europa League. We need to win both games and we need to pass this phase."
“Both teams are improving right now, constructing good things." "So, I think the fans can expect a big game, with both teams trying to play and both teams trying to score goals, and I hope, in the end, we win," he explained.
Manchester United's midfielder also stated he has been in touch with Barcelona's winger Raphael ahead of their game at the Spotify Nou Camp stadium.
The former Leeds United star opted to join the La Liga side despite interest from Old Trafford and has been excellent for Xavi's side.
"We spoke on the national team; we are big friends." So, we are expecting in Barcelona that when Raphael plays, he’s a good player. "We played against [him] when he played for Leeds, so we know about this player," Fred explained.
“He is so good with the ball and quick, but I say we need to be careful with every player from Barcelona; we know they have a good team." "They are trying to build a good team as well [like United], so we can expect a good game, and we will try to do our best.”
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