Latest team news: Manchester United vs Barcelona (Europa League) 

On Thursday night, Manchester United hosts Barcelona in a win-or-go-home game in the Europa League round of 32.

In a season-defining week, Manchester United will be looking to book their places in the Europa League round of 16 proper whilst maintaining their astonishing home record under Erik ten Hag — unbeaten since the opening weekend of this season’s Premier League. 

The Reds have been in exceptional form since the return of the World Cup, only losing once in their 17 games in all competitions since the resumption of club football. 

Barcelona will be looking to spoil any positive dress rehearsal United want to have before they take on Newcastle in the League Cup final on the weekend. But, before Ten Hag’s side can think about that game, they have to respect their Spanish opposition and the threat they pose. 

The La Liga leaders showed their quality in glimpses last week at the Spotify Camp Nou as the first leg ended in a 2-2 draw. However, just like United, they were back to winning ways on the weekend. 

Both sides have been boosted and hindered by their forthcoming team news, so let’s have a look:

Manchester United 

United will welcome the duo of Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer to their European lineup; both serve respective European bans for the first leg. 

Casemiro, who is returning from a ban of his own — domestically — will return to the lineup as he did in the first leg. 

Manchester United have been boosted by the return of Harry Maguire and Antony. Both have been spotted in training in the last couple of days, and there is growing confidence that both will return to the matchday squad after not featuring in the previous few games.

Read More: Manchester United training squad: Two players return ahead of Barcelona clash

Despite the return of injured players, Anthony Martial has not recovered from his hip injury, which has kept him out since the start of the month.

Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are still sidelined with their respective long-term injuries and continue their recovery. 

Barcelona 

Whilst United will be strengthed by the return of players, Barcelona will ultimately be hindered by the ones they lost in the first leg. 

Pedri and Gavi will miss out on the second leg, with the former sustaining a  hamstring injury that will keep him out of action for a couple of weeks and the latter accumulating too many yellow cards leading to the suspension. 

Xavi will also be without Frenchmen Ousmane Dembélé, as he is still out with a thigh injury he sustained a couple of weeks ago. 

Still, the Blaugrana outfit will welcome back Sergio Busquets, who is expected to be reintegrated into the starting lineup on Thursday after recovering from an ankle injury.

Read More: Barcelona confirm travelling squad to face Manchester United in Europa League second