Erik ten Hag delivers verdict on Man United’s 2-2 draw with Barcelona in Europa League

Erik ten Hag believed that Manchester United controlled the game against Barcelona in Spain, as Marcus Rashford stole the show in a 2-2 draw.

The Europa League clash brought one of the most entertaining games of the season so far.

Rashford provided an instant response to Marcos Alonso’s opener early in the second half before inspiring a second goal for The Reds in the 59th minute.

However, Barcelona punished a defensive mistake from the visitors to ensure proceedings were all square ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford next week.

Despite the setback, Ten Hag was happy with the performance of his side as they went toe-to-toe against one of the best teams in Europe but explained that they were the reason behind their own downfall in the tie.

“I think we dictated the game. Apart from maybe 15 minutes of the first half, we had some difficulties, but for the rest, we dictated the game and we outplayed [them],” explained the United boss. “So many chances, so I was a little bit disappointed that in half-time it was 0-0 because we should have scored.

“The opportunities they had, we created by ourselves. But I think it was a great game, two attacking teams, I think it was really Champions League [level] and even more than that. So I really enjoyed the game a lot. In the end, 2-2, and we have to finish it at Old Trafford.”

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United will be facing the Spanish giants again next Thursday, with a Premier League fixture against Leicester City squeezed in between on the weekend.

They will feel that they can take positives from their performance at the Camp Nou and will be confident that they can progress to the round-of-16.

The Reds have not lost at Old Trafford since the opening game of the season and will be keen to continue that run, but Ten Hag is fully focused on hosting Brendan Rodger’s men first.

“I can’t think about that [the second leg] in this moment,” he added. “I think about Leicester, it’s all about Leicester. It’s a big game again and they are in good shape.

“They have two wins in a row so I know it’s going to be a tough game but we have to be ready. If we are ready we have a good chance to win.”