De Gea: We are in a great way

Friday 17 February 2023 06:59

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea sees our Europa League play-off tie with Barcelona as perfectly poised, heading into the second leg at Old Trafford next week.

Erik ten Hag's side played out a thoroughly exciting 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp on Thursday, with former Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso handing the La Liga outfit the lead midway through the second half.

The Reds however responded in quickfire fashion, with Marcus Rashford and then an own goal from Jules Kounde flipping the tie on its head, before Raphinha restored parity for Xavi's side.

De Gea was called into action superbly late on, denying Ansu Fati in the closing stages, and our no.1 provided his thoughts to MUTV after the game.

De Gea: Let's finish it at Old Trafford Video

De Gea: Let's finish it at Old Trafford

With the tie still wide open, David says he can't wait for next week's second leg in front of our home fans...

“It is never a great result when you draw but it was a great match,” he began.

“I think both teams tried to score goals and create chances, it was a great game. Maybe after we scored the second goal we were controlling the game, then they scored to make it 2-2.

“It was a bit difficult at the end as they created some chances, but let's see. The game is open, so let's see at Old Trafford on Thursday if we can play [more] great football and try and win again.”

Ten Hag's side are in fine form on home soil, with Real Sociedad the last side to come away from M16 with all three points, back in September.

As we look ahead to the clash with Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday, our Spanish shot-stopper was keen to highlights our recent strength at the Theatre of Dreams.

Talking points from the Nou Camp

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Where does this scintillating tie rank as we look at the key issues arising from the 2-2 draw.

“It is always great to play the second leg at home, with our fans and we are in a great way,” De Gea added. “It is perfect for us to go there and play our game and win the game.

“I think every game we try to win but they are a great team for sure and they are doing really well.

“A draw for sure is a good result and we go to Old Trafford with our fans and try to put pressure on them. [We will] try to play good football and win the game.”

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