FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has spoken on how much his side respects Erik Ten Hag's Manchester United ahead of their Thursday knockout phase clash in the Europa League.
The La Liga giants finished third in their Champions League group, which demoted them into the Europa League competition. Erik Ten Hag's side finished second in their Europa League group, failing to top Real Sociedad, which led to the two clubs getting matched up for a knockout phase of the Europa League.
Xavi Hernandez has emphasized that Manchester United are a tough side and identified Marcus Rashford as the biggest threat on Erik Ten Hag's side. The Red Devils academy graduate has scored 21 goals across all competitions this season, including 13 in his last 15 appearances. The 25-year-old has been ridiculous in front of goal, and Xavi Hernandez is wary of the threats the England international will pose as Barcelona seeks to progress to the next stage of the competition.
"Rashford is one of the most dangerous strikers, yes," said Xavi. "He's very fast, a good dribbler, good in one-on-one situations, and very dangerous in the transitions."
"We need to take care of all of United's players, but Rashford is certainly one of the most dangerous in Europe."
"We have assessed what they are doing." Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, and Wesley Weghorst might be references. "The transitions are very quick," Xavi asserted.
The two giants are finding their way back after a disappointing start to the season. The Catalans are topping the Spanish league, while Manchester United are reportedly third on the Premier League table and could likely mount a title charge.
“We are in a very good moment, both teams, when it comes to our form and level of fitness." I think it's been a while since we have been back on track, and I think it's the same for them, too. "United are a very powerful team with a very strong defense, so they can make our lives difficult tomorrow," Xavi stated.
"I am expecting a very intense match with a very fast pace." "Premier League matches are quite demanding, and we are in Europe, but we want to prove that we are at that level."
"We're playing in the Europa League and don't deserve to be in the Champions League, and neither do they."
"But United is in a very positive moment in terms of their growth." "If you compare now to the start of the season, they are very strong today, so it should be a very spectacular match."
“When we play against these kinds of clubs, it's a big club in Europe." "United are not in the best moment, but we know their history, we respect Erik ten Hag, and they have had some good results in recent weeks, so it will be really tough to beat them."
Xavi Hernandez has also acknowledged Erik Ten Hag's effect on the Red Devils since his appointment; the Barcelona legend believes Erik Ten Hag has changed "the face of Manchester United."
"Tomorrow is a great match," Xavi said. "It's a spectacular tie. "Both teams arrived at the best moment of the season."
"Ten Hag has changed the face of the team." It's been hard for them, but they're doing a great job. He is a great coach. "Reversing the situation at United was not easy."
"He makes variants in attack and defense; they work very well." He is an attacking coach, and he shows it in almost every game. "He is a reference for coaches who like this kind of football."
"Manchester United is a great club. They are not in the best moment in their history, but there are players who are in a great moment. "In recent weeks, they have had good results, and it will be very hard to win the game."
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