Fred relishing ‘great’ Barcelona test
Manchester United midfielder Fred says the Reds are eager to play in the magnitude of fixture that facing Barcelona presents.
United will go head to head with the Spanish giants in February’s heavyweight tie, after the two clubs were paired together for the Europa League knockout round play-offs, during Monday’s draw.
It presents a two-legged tie that will be a strong test for Erik ten Hag’s side, but the taxing type of contest which has arguably brought the best out of them already under the Dutchman.
It presents a two-legged tie that will be a strong test for Erik ten Hag’s side, but the taxing type of contest which has arguably brought the best out of them already under the Dutchman.
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The Reds have overcome the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham already this season, as well as drawing at Chelsea, and Fred believes that United will be ready for another big match-up.
“We know that Barcelona is a great team,” he told club media following Monday’s draw.
“It won't be an easy game, there are no easy games in the Europa League. We were drawn against Barcelona. It will be a great game, I'm sure we are ready for it.
“We players like playing in great fixtures like these ones, and we are prepared for this game. God willing, we'll qualify for the next round.”
“We know that Barcelona is a great team,” he told club media following Monday’s draw.
“It won't be an easy game, there are no easy games in the Europa League. We were drawn against Barcelona. It will be a great game, I'm sure we are ready for it.
“We players like playing in great fixtures like these ones, and we are prepared for this game. God willing, we'll qualify for the next round.”
After the first leg at the Camp Nou on Thursday 16 February 2023 (17:45 GMT), the sides will face up against each other once more, during the return leg at Old Trafford, seven days later (20:00 GMT).
With the home fixture to come in the latter half of the tie, the Brazilian thinks that our supporters in M16 will have a big part to play, as they have done already this term.
“Our stadium has always had a great atmosphere with the fans constantly behind us,” he continued, when asked about the second leg in Manchester.
“Obviously, we haven't done as well in the last few seasons, but they have always been together with us, supporting the team.
With the home fixture to come in the latter half of the tie, the Brazilian thinks that our supporters in M16 will have a big part to play, as they have done already this term.
“Our stadium has always had a great atmosphere with the fans constantly behind us,” he continued, when asked about the second leg in Manchester.
“Obviously, we haven't done as well in the last few seasons, but they have always been together with us, supporting the team.
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“This season is no different; every game, the big games, they were here, and we've had some great games and victories.
“I'm sure they'll be here against Barcelona supporting us, they'll give us strength to get the win. That's why it's so important to play in front of our fans and get a result here.”
“I'm sure they'll be here against Barcelona supporting us, they'll give us strength to get the win. That's why it's so important to play in front of our fans and get a result here.”
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