Five things learned as Manchester United draw 2-2 with Barcelona in Europa League clash

Manchester United drew 2-2 with Barcelona at the Camp Nou in the first leg of their Europa League round-of-32 clash against the Spanish giants.

Marcus Rashford was the man on fire as he inspired a promising performance from The Reds, who will feel they were unfortunate to not win the game.

Here are five things that UtdDistrict learned during the 90 minutes on Thursday night.

A formation change

Erik ten Hag lined his side up differently than usual, with Wout Weghorst playing behind Marcus Rashford as Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes took to the flanks.

It was a similar set-up to the one in the last 20 minutes of United’s win against Leeds at Elland Road.

The United boss looked like he wanted to utilise Rashford against the last line of Barcelona – which proved to be vital in his goal – and provide a counter-attacking threat, whilst keeping the workrate of Weghorst – who was important in United’s midfield battle.

Sancho was also positioned on his favoured left side and was close to linking up with Rashford for a goal. Fernandes also worked well alongside Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the right.

United looked dangerous in this shape and Ten Hag could look to use it more as the season goes on.

Running out of words for Marcus Rashford

We’re running out of words to describe the form of Marcus Rashford. Incredible, magnificent, dazzling and more.

He was the most dangerous player in the first half and when United were down, he provided the goods to level things up and keep The Reds in a strong position within the tie.

Some may say that Marc-André ter Stegen should’ve done better for the goal, but when you look at the power in the strike it is more so wonderful from the United forward.

His role in the second goal was also just brilliant, breezing past one player before playing the dangerous ball across goal which Jules Koundé put into his own net.

With 22 goals for his club so far this season, it’s fair to say that he’s one of the best players in the world in his current form.

Fred so hot and cold it’s ridiculous

Fred went from a terrible performance against Leeds at Old Trafford to being awarded the Man of the Match in the reverse fixture at Elland Road days afterwards. In this match, he had moments of magic and a few which were questionable to say the least.

It’s been the story of his career at the club, but it’s undeniable that he’s providing a lot more good than bad under the management of Ten Hag.

A brilliant assist for Rashford’s equaliser and his energy in midfield was vital in United’s approach.

Silly mistakes cost United

United were excellent on the night but two silly mistakes cost them two goals and Ten Hag will be disappointed.

The first was a man left free at the back post and the second being a poor ball out of the back. Top teams will punish you for these mistakes and that is exactly what Barcelona did.

United can be proud of their performance at the Camp Nou but could be rueing these mistakes come next week at Old Trafford.

However, another bad refereeing decision…

Saying the above, United can also feel aggrieved by the officiating on the night, especially one decision mid-way through the second half.

Rashford was clearly fouled by Kounde on the edge of the Barcelona box and he was the last man. It was a clear red card that would’ve settled the game, you can only imagine.

Ten Hag was so frustrated with the decision that he earned himself a yellow card from the referee.