United win a memorable European tie at Old Trafford

Manchester United fell behind on the night, and therefore on aggregate, but a second-half turnaround, inspired by the excellent Bruno Fernandes, meant The Red Devils produced a memorable European night at Old Trafford.

Action: Manchester United started what was almost immediately an open match on the front foot. Bruno Fernandes, captain in the continued absence of Harry Maguire from the starting line-up, got in down the right-hand side but the Portuguese international was hesitant in shooting and only managed to fire straight at Marc-Andre ter Stegen under pressure from the defence.

Barcelona begun to grow into the game with Andreas Christensen, in particular, showing impressive touches and body movements to begin Blaugrana attacks.

The Catalans won a penalty less than ten minutes after Fernandes’ glorious opportunity. Alex Balde, spinning in the corner of the box, was slightly caught by Bruno Fernandes but to call the penalty soft would be an understatement. In fact, it could be argued Balde fouled Fernandes more than the other way round.

VAR checked the decision but decided it remained a penalty and Robert Lewandowski stepped up to score but his right-footed shot was very nearly kept out by David de Gea. The Spaniard got a hand to the strike but the ball eventually spun into the net. 

The rest of the half was a very even encounter with both sides enjoying spells of possession and territory but neither creating anything absolutely clear cut. 

Within two minutes of the second-half, Manchester United had taken the match by the scruff of the neck with Bruno Fernandes forcing Raphinha to fall over the ball with good strength and the in-form playmaker managed to fire in a pass to Fred who, after controlling well, managed to guide a shot, albeit fortunately rolling down his shin, past ter Stegen and into the bottom corner.

Manchester United and Barcelona, two giants of European football showing real signings of returning to an elite technical and tactical level throughout the campaign, sparred and traded blows for the next 25 or so minutes until the hosts dramatically took the lead.

Fernandes, who had been magnificent, got in down the left, laid the ball to second-half substitute Alejandro Garnacho. Garnacho’s shot was blocked, it fell to Fred on the edge and the Brazilian international also had a shot blocked but that block could only fall to Antony and the former Ajax man, brought on at half-time, guided an excellent shot into the far corner on his in-step, to give The Red Devils a lead and the potential for a memorable European night at Old Trafford.

It's like a pinball machine in there!!

Man United come from behind to take a 2-1 lead in this tie through Antony!! 💫#UEL pic.twitter.com/YcFt5Lx95Y

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 23, 2023

Barcelona pushed hard in the closing moments of the match and Raphael Varane cleared off the line from a Robert Lewandowski effort, deep into second-half stoppage-time, but United held on.

The big picture: Manchester United head into the Round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League as they continue their rapid improvement under Erik ten Hag. Barcelona will now focus entirely on securing a domestic double, sitting eight points clear at the top of La Liga and set to face Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.

Man of the match: Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder has his critics but Manchester United’s number eight was charismatic and he dominated the game, forcing his teammates through to the Round of 16. 

Expected goals: Manchester United (1.33) 2-1 (1.46) Barcelona