Five things learned as Manchester United beat Barcelona 2-1 (4-3) at Old Trafford

Manchester United emerge victorious at Old Trafford as they beat Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate in their Europa League tie, with a 2-1 win on the night.

The first leg had Manchester United and Barcelona tied with two goals a piece, with Marcus Rashford, Raphinha, Marcos Alonso and an own goal from Jules Kounde sealing the tie at Camp Nou.

With the second leg at Old Trafford lining up to be a cracking fixture, it was Barcelona who struck first, with Bruno Fernandes deemed to have found Alejandro Balde, and despite getting a hand to it, David de Gea failed to prevent Robert Lewandowski’s effort.

United almost went a second goal down just before halftime as De Gea gifted a brilliant chance to the visitors, but epic work from Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro prevented the goal as the first half drew to a close.

United’s second half got off to the perfect start, with Fred scoring just 90 seconds into the final regulation quarter of the tie, and Antony after 70 minutes made it 2-1 to the Red Devils with a brilliant first-time finish.

1) Old Trafford knows how to make an atmosphere

Ahead of kick-off, Manchester United confirmed that they would stop playing music 15 minutes before, to let the fans create their own, authentic atmosphere.

And boy, did it work. Old Trafford was absolutely rocking ahead of kick-off, with the United faithful singing their hearts out and cheering every name as the line-ups were announced ahead of the referee’s whistle.

With Robin van Persie on the sidelines as part of BT Sport’s coverage, it only added to the atmosphere – the former striker’s name rang around on multiple occasions, further feeding the brilliant atmosphere that was so brilliantly crafted.

2) The refereeing standard is on the floor

Just in the first 20 minutes of the fixture, there were four or five refereeing decisions that could be deemed to have been incorrect.

Both Rashford and Luke Shaw were taken out just outside of Barcelona’s penalty area, with no foul given despite zero touches on the ball from the Barcelona players.

For Barcelona’s penalty, the circumstances are arguable. Some would say the contact from Bruno Fernandes was too soft, while others will say it was still a foul.

In the run-up, however, Lewandowski it could be argued, stopped – which is against the rules. There is certainly an argument that the penalty should have at least been re-taken but to no avail.

3) Fred’s goal changed the entire game

Fred’s goal at the start of the second half was slightly unexpected. Not to say that it was unexpected that United scored, it’s more that it happened just a minute and a half after kick-off for the second half.

Immediately, it changed the entire fixture. Coupled with the introduction of Antony for Wout Weghorst on the right wing, United’s entire attack looked suddenly much more threatening, cohesive, and dynamic.

Not just in an attacking sense, but the pressure the front line put on Barcelona’s defenders, too. The United players were starting to force their own luck.

4) Antony’s left foot is god-damn magic

There may be continual complaints that Antony does not use his right foot, but his left foot produces some of the most magical moments.

Coming on for Weghorst at half-time, the dynamic changed instantly on the right-hand side, and his first-time side-foot finish with his left foot into the bottom left corner of Ter Stagen’s goal sent Old Trafford into pandemonium.

Erik ten Hag has continually backed Antony and his abilities, as well as his impact on the side overall, and as many times pundits may say that he was a “waste” of money for his price tag, every time it feels like they may be right, they are proved completely wrong.

5) Manchester United deserve to be held among the best

Barcelona are no small opposition. They are top of La Liga, well clear of the mighty Real Madrid, and likely to win the competition.

Manchester United, across two legs, scored four goals against a team who have only conceded seven in their domestic league all season.

Erik ten Hag and United masterminded a brilliant victory, overcame adversity and won despite trailing in both legs. They deserve to be among the best teams in the world right now.

Bring on Newcastle United.