Ones to watch: Manchester United vs Barcelona (Europa League)

Manchester United are welcoming Barcelona for the second instalment of their Europa League tie, with act one consisting of a thrilling 2-2 draw at Camp Nou.

The fixture has been one of much intrigue across the football world, as rarely do such titans of European football meet in the second tier of European competition, the Europa League.

The first leg, despite being in said competition, had a Champions League feel to it, with the fixture displaying some fantastic football and brilliant performances from both sides.

Marcos Alonso gave the hosts a second-half lead before Marcus Rashford turned on the brilliance and equalised for Manchester United, before then creating the own goal scored by Jules Kounde to put United ahead.

Brazilian winger Raphinha equalised for Xavi’s side with 15 minutes to play after his cross evaded both Erik ten Hag‘s defence and the Barcelona attack and found itself in the back of David de Gea’s net.

There will be multiple players from either side who could have a profound effect on the fixture, but there is one key battle that stands out.

Barcelona – Raphinha

As previously mentioned, Raphinha was the one who scored Barcelona’s equalising goal to end the fixture in a draw.

Despite (probably) not meaning for his cross to hit the back of the next, it was a testament to his performance – Raphinha was a threat all throughout the fixture and was rightfully angry when Xavi substituted the player before full-time.

Raphinha has returned seven goals and nine assists for Barcelona this season while operating mainly on the right wing, which shows both his creative threat and goal-getting ability, supporting Robert Lewandoski in the attack.

He will certainly be one to look out for at Old Trafford, especially if United plan on dominating the ball. His speed and quick feet could cause problems in behind the defence.

Manchester United – Luke Shaw

On the other half of this battle will be Manchester United’s left-back, Luke Shaw.

Shaw has had a spectacular season under Ten Hag so far. After regaining his place in the starting XI from Tyrell Malacia, Shaw has shown himself to be a stellar defender both at left-back and in central defence, where he occupied himself in the first leg.

With the return of Lisandro Martinez, it is sensible to assume that Shaw will resume his place on the left-hand side of the defence, and therefore will be the man likely tasked with slowing down Raphinha and limiting his creative threat.

Shaw has his own attacking and creative threat, too. He has been an integral part of United’s build-up play on the left-hand side, being a brilliant support man to whoever starts at left-wing, which has usually been Marcus Rashford – but Jadon Sancho has also covered the position as of late.