Manchester United predicted XI to face Barcelona (Europa League)

Manchester United will host Spanish league leaders Barcelona at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, as both sides will go toe-to-toe to qualify for the next round of the Europa League.

Marcus Rashford guided Manchester United to a 2-2 draw in the first leg of played at Camp Nou. The Englishman levelled the score back moments after former Chelsea man Marcus Alonso gave Barcelona the lead.

A Jules Kounde own goal gave the Reds a well-deserved lead before Raphinha scored a goal right at the start of the last quarter to salvage a draw.

Erik ten Hag‘s men are in good form as they remain the only English club to still feature in all four tournaments. The Reds will also travel to Wembley to lock horns with Newcastle United in the final of the Carabao Cup.

In the first leg of the tie, United were without a total of six players due to injuries and suspension. However, as things stand, five players on the list have been included in the training squad for the second leg match of this iconic tie.

Club captain Harry Maguire and winger Antony are the latest additions to return from injury with the latter coming from a long injury break. Scott McTominay, who had missed the last couple of games due to an injury, made a cameo in United’s win over Leicester City.

On the other hand, United have received a major boost in the return of Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer, who both missed the first leg due to suspension. However, Anthony Martial still remains sidelined. As confirmed by Ten Hag in the pre-match press conference, there are no fresh injury concerns as well.

United’s loyal custodian David de Gea will keep his place in between the sticks. The Spaniard recently equalled Peter Schmeichel’s record for the most clean sheets in the United shirt. Often criticised for not being good with his feet, the veteran denied the Foxes two goal-scoring chances.

Luke Shaw is expected to keep his place in the left-back position. The Brit was deployed as a centre-back in the first leg due to Martinez’s absence, however, with the Argentine returning to the squad, Shaw will return to his usual position.

Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are set to be the defensive pair in the heart of the defence. The duo have played regularly and rarely have had moments of callousness while dealing with the opposition’s attack.

In the right back, Diogo Dalot played against Leicester City after missing out on the Barcelona game due to an injury. However, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has also impressed in some of his last outings, so it will be interesting to see who gets the nod ahead of whom. Although, given their last performances, Dalot might just edge out the former Crystal Palace right back.

Brazilian Casemiro has superbly anchored the midfield of United since his arrival from Real Madrid. However, he had a rare mistake which eventually gifted Barcelona the second goal. Despite that, the Brazilian tank is a guaranteed starter in United’s midfield on Wednesday.

Fred has often partnered with his compatriot in the midfield, including the first leg. However, new signing Sabitzer has comfortably cemented his place in the starting lineup in Casemiro’s absence in League matches.

It is to be seen whether Ten Hag uses Sabitzer in a slightly advanced role or he sticks to his usual midfield pair, the Brazilian duo. On the other hand, McTominay has also returned to the squad but it is doubtful that he will start ahead of Fred and Sabitzer.

For the creative No. 10 role, there is only one name, Bruno Fernandes. Undroppable since his first day of joining United, the Portuguese will wear the captain’s armband in the match. However, as a late twist in a few of his previous games, Bruno is also deployed on the right wing with either Weghorst or Sancho dropping down to the midfield role.

On the right wing, Ten Hag will be delighted to have Antony back but he will most probably stick to Sancho, who is slowly regaining his mojo back. He also scored a goal in United’s last match. However, the Englishman’s performance in the first leg came under scrutiny, so the youngster will be adamant to prove his haters wrong.

On the left, it is only Marcus Rashford. No words are enough to justify his inclusion in the playing XI.

Upfront, Weghorst remains the only available option for Ten Hag. The Dutchman has scored just one goal and that has drawn severe criticism from fans, former players and even pundits. Ten Hag has however remained unperturbed by this. He has repeatedly maintained his stance on Weghorst and how he helps in the team’s buildup and links well to create spaces for the pacey wingers to flourish.

Full predicted XI

De Gea, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Casemiro, Sabitzer, Sancho, Bruno, Rashford, Weghorst.