Manchester United 2-1 FC Barcelona: Three Game-Defining Moments

An emphatic win that Old Trafford had been longing for in the best part of a decade, Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United came back to beat FC Barcelona to progress into the next stage of the Europa League.

It was a tie that was largely controlled by Manchester United over the two legs, and whom were deserving of progressing into the Round of 16.

While there is a major opportunity for silverware this weekend in the Carabao Cup, Manchester United fans were brimming with huge positivity after falling a goal behind and coming back to win 2-1.

Here were the three areas in which Manchester United beat Barcelona:

Midfield Magic

While the game did not start in Manchester United’s favour with Xavi’s side going in front, the midfield combination of Casemiro and Fred provided the Red Devils with a path back into the tie.

Fred, home and away, had two of his best performances of the season. His tenaciousness and industry accompanied his forward-thinking nature and ability to get in-and-around the box to provide a threat.

It was his goal to draw the match level at Old Trafford that started the comeback, before fellow Brazilian Antony finished it. Fred’s marauding runs forward proved a handful for Barcelona’s defence in the end, as they were outnumbered and were unsure on who to pick up and when.

Casemiro, as ever, proved fundamental in seeking out danger and gave Manchester United the sturdy platform in which they operated on. Even when the Red Devils were under pressure by the Spanish side, the Brazil international was there to thwart danger.

Between the two Brazilians, Manchester United’s midfield remained rock solid and full of energy.

Defensive Confidence

It has been nearly a decade since Manchester United had true leadership and authority in the heart of their defence, under a manager that breathed life into it.

But now, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez’s blossoming relationship unfolding in front of the fans’ eyes, Manchester United have two central defenders that are paving the way.

The Red Devils’ defence might not yet be absolutely watertight, but it has come on leaps and bounds this season, thanks to the arrival of Martinez and fitness of Varane. Along with the resurgence of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and fantastic form of Luke Shaw, Manchester United now have a back four that is beginning to dominate.

Fans of the Red Devils will be hoping it will continue for many a year to come.

Ten Hag’s Substitutions

Perhaps an overlooked attribute of Ten Hag’s has been his ability to influence games from the bench. Once again, the arrival of Antony at half time in replacement of Wout Weghorst proved to be a masterclass in decision making.

Time and time again has the Dutch coach managed to positively change games in the favour of Manchester United by analysing the game in front of him and bring the requisite players into the field.

There has seldom been a time where Ten Hag has made the wrong decision in his substitutions which just shows how incredible his mindset is when looking to affect the game.

Manchester United fans can be assured going into any game that Ten Hag makes the right decision at the right time.