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Manchester United logo
Europa League | Knockout Round Playoffs | 2nd Leg
Feb 23, 2023 at 8pm UK
Old Trafford
Barcelona logo
Man Utd
2 - 1
Barcelona
Fred (47'), Antony (73')
Fernandes (60'), Garnacho (78'), Casemiro (86')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Lewandowski (18' pen.)
Roberto (60'), Lewandowski (71'), Busquets (83')

Erik ten Hag hails "biggest win" of Manchester United career

Ten Hag hails
© Reuters
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag opens up on Thursday's 4-3 aggregate victory over Barcelona in the Europa League.

Erik ten Hag has branded Thursday's Europa League success over Barcelona "the biggest win" of his managerial career at Manchester United.

The Red Devils recorded a 2-1 victory over the Catalan outfit in the second leg of their knockout round playoff to advance to the round of 16 courtesy of a 4-3 aggregate win.

Robert Lewandowski's first-half penalty had handed Barcelona the advantage at Old Trafford, but Fred levelled early in the second period before Antony came up with a late winner for the 20-time English champions.

Ten Hag said that the victory over Xavi's side was his best moment since arriving as head coach last summer.

"The biggest win? Yes, I think so. We've had some good wins, Liverpool, Arsenal at home, really good wins, but I think this [is the biggest]," Ten Hag told reporters after the match.

Manchester United's Fred celebrates scoring against Barcelona on February 23, 2023© Reuters

"Barcelona is the leader of La Liga, eight points ahead of Real Madrid, we've all seen Real Madrid this week, and if you then beat them I think it's a big win.

"I think it was a cheap penalty but Bruno [Fernandes] takes the risk, that is different to the approach in the Premier League and we have to get used to it. We had chances, twice for Bruno, but Barcelona didn't create that much or cause us that many problems.

"The problem with us was a lack of belief. In the second half, it was much better. You bring yourselves forward, you bring the subs on with a lot of belief.

"In the end, it was a great win because we had the belief to get that win. We got it by getting forward and, in the right moments, we strike. We have to act resilient. We have to be dynamite, to have the belief to win big games.

"In big games, it's often about mentality and about being right in every moment of the game, to be ready for it because moments will change the game."

Manchester United's Antony celebrates scoring against Barcelona on February 23, 2023© Reuters

Ten Hag also hailed the "great personalities" in his side following the comeback win.

"I think we have some great personalities in the team like Raphael [Varane] and Licha (Lisandro) Martinez, and, going forward, I said already Antony, he or [Alejandro] Garnacho don't fear anyone," added the Dutchman.

"Bruno [Fernandes] also, Casemiro of course, we have some players with great personalities and if you get setbacks, they move on and they carry on. They are resilient and determined.

"You have to be to get the result. And if you believe in that, if and when you concede a penalty, you have to go on, and you can turn around such a game.

"We know that, but you have to get the evidence and when you win a big game like this, from 1-0 down in a difficult situation, you can do it. This [win] is a good bit of motivation in the season."

Man United have been drawn against Real Betis in the last-16 stage of the competition, with the first leg taking place at Old Trafford on March 9 before the return in Seville one week later.

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and Barcelona boss Xavi on February 16, 2023
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