United Review | Barcelona at home

United 2 - 1 Barcelona (United won 4-3 on aggregate)

We are through to the last 16 of the Europa League after a thrilling win over Barcelona at a rocking Old Trafford.

Author | Lee Francis 

Scenes from a magical Old Trafford night

Just like in the first leg, Erik ten Hag’s side had to do it the hard way after Robert Lewandowski put the visitors ahead from the spot in the first half. But United came flying out after the break, and Fred pulled us level with a sharp finish from the edge of the box that left Marc-Andre ter Stegen rooted.

With just under 20 minutes remaining, chaos in the Barcelona box saw several efforts blocked before the ball dropped kindly to Antony, who swept it beautifully into the far corner to send the Theatre of Dreams into raptures.

Barca players looking despondent

Late drama was almost guaranteed in the final moments. Lewandowski looked certain to take the tie into extra time with a last-gasp effort, but an incredible block on the line from Raphael Varane kept us in front. The Polish striker’s attempt might have been ruled out anyway, yet Varane’s intervention ensured United held firm to seal a famous win.

It was another special European night at Old Trafford, full of passion, fight and belief, and another huge step forward under Ten Hag.

Which players stood out on a memorable night?

Raphael Varane | A commanding presence at the back once again. Strong in the air, composed on the ball, and produced a vital goal-line clearance in stoppage time to deny Robert Lewandowski an equaliser.

Fred | Who said he should have come off at half-time? Erik clearly knew best. Took his goal superbly to open the scoring and helped swing the momentum back in United’s favour.

Antony | A brilliant finish from the substitute to seal the win. His introduction after the break lifted the team, and ultimately his energy and precision proved decisive.