Xavi believes Erik ten Hag has improved four key Man Utd players

Barcelona manager Xavi has highlighted four dangermen in Manchester United’s ranks that may cause his team a problem, including ‘the Portuguese guy’ Bruno Fernandes.

The two European heavyweights will play out the second part of their two-legged Europa League following their engrossing 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou last Thursday. 

An unorthodox scorer in Marcos Alonso opened the scoring, with the inevitable Marcus Rashford levelling the score line just moments later. More dazzling play from Rashford troubled those in Barcelona colours when his emphatic cross across the front of goal was turned in for a Jules Kounde own-goal. Raphinha’s 76th-minute strike ensured the Spanish outfit escaped the tie on a level playing ground.

United now have the pleasure of playing on home turf, and the former Barcelona midfield maestro is aware of the mountain he has to climb. He has named the quartet of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes and Fred as players his side needs to be wary of.

“He [Ten Hag] is getting all the talent out of his players,” Barcelona manager Xavi told The Times. “You see [Jadon] Sancho, [Marcus] Rashford, the Portuguese guy [Bruno Fernandes]. And look how Fred is playing.”

The aforementioned Manchester United players have been on fine form recently since the arrival of Dutch manager Erik ten Hag. They have transformed from being players that were on the receiving end of deafening torment for their performances last term to being the difference-makers in a flourishing top-flight side. 

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Ahead of the highly anticipated fixture between the two clubs, Xavi also spoke highly of Erik ten Hag and, more interestingly, his ability to elevate the performances of the four players mentioned.

“He [Ten Hag] is very good, I liked him a lot,” added Xavi. “He has built a team and is getting the best out of all his players. That speaks well of him. Tactically, he is very good, and he handles the dressing room very well.”

Barcelona have been taking La Liga by storm as they currently sit eight points clear at the top, so United will be more than pleased with their result last time out. 

The 2-2 draw tees this contest up to be mouth-watering, with the winner in M16 entering the next stage of Europe’s second-tier club competition.