Early team news for United v Barcelona

Tuesday 21 February 2023 10:00

Manchester United are in good heart ahead of the Europa League play-off second leg with Barcelona at Old Trafford.

After a 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp, the stage is set for another thrilling occasion at the Theatre of Dreams.

The Reds defeated Leicester City 3-0 at the weekend, thanks to a Marcus Rashford double and Jadon Sancho's third, with the game marking the end of Casemiro's three-match suspension for a red card in the win over Crystal Palace. 

Scott McTominay returned from a lay-off as a substitute on Sunday, performing well against the Foxes, but Harry Maguire, Antony and Antony Martial all missed out and are doubtful for Thursday night.

Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are missing with longer term problems.

Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer are available after missing the first leg due to European bans. Raphael Varane and Tyrell Malacia are options to return in defence after being left on the bench against the Foxes, as Erik ten Hag plans a route past Barca to remain on the road to Budapest.

The boss is hosting a press conference on Wednesday to preview the eagerly awaited tie.

BARCELONA'S TEAM NEWS

Sergio Busquets is back in the fold after being an unused substitute in the 2-0 win over Cadiz at the weekend, helping plug the gap left by the absence of Pedri (injured) and Gavi (suspended).

Ousmane Dembele is still sidelined but Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres are options to start, along with defender Ronald Araujo, who is back from a domestic ban. Franck Kessie, who played in the first leg, is a contender to come back into the XI after coming on as a substitute against Cadiz.

Robert Lewandowski looks certain to lead the line after he scored the second goal on Sunday night.

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