Football: Ten Hag coy on ‘different’ plan to tackle Barcelona

LONDON – Manchester United are riding the crest of a wave

thanks to the scintillating form of Marcus Rashford,

who is keeping them in the hunt for four trophies.

The Red Devils could end a six-year wait for silverware on Sunday when they face Newcastle United in the League Cup final.

But first comes the chance to land the scalp of Barcelona in a heavyweight Europa League play-off clash on Thursday.

After an enthralling first leg at the Nou Camp, the sides are level at 2-2 and there promises to be a rocking atmosphere at Old Trafford, where United are unbeaten in 17 games in all competitions.

On the eve of such a big game, manager Erik ten Hag refused to give anything away on Wednesday.

“What we do different you will see tomorrow on the pitch. We have an idea,” he said.

“We all want to play big games, big matches. When we were young, we dreamt of it. But we have to keep in the same mindset that every day we want to give a better version of ourselves.

“Against teams like Barca, we have to give our best to get into the next round. We are really enjoying it, really looking forward.”

Defender Raphael Varane, speaking alongside ten Hag, added: “I think we are playing with more confidence and tomorrow the atmosphere will be electric.

“The next aim is to beat teams like Barcelona. It is a real challenge and a good opportunity.”

Rashford, 25, will be key on Thursday. The forward turned a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 lead for United in a seven-minute spell in Catalonia as he smashed home at Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s near post, before drilling in a cross that forced Jules Kounde to turn into his own net.

Another two goals in a 3-0 win over Leicester City on Sunday that pulled United into Premier League title contention took his tally this term to an already career-best 24.

But his explosion after the World Cup is even more remarkable. No player in Europe’s top five leagues comes close to his 20 goal involvements, with 16 goals and four assists since returning from Qatar.

Rashford’s return to form – he scored just five goals last season – has been pivotal in a squad otherwise short on goals.

“I think as a manager, as a coaching staff we have to push them but finally it comes from the player,” said ten Hag on Rashford taking personal responsibility to be the main man following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure.

Rashford has stepped out from the shadow of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to become the player United fans dreamed he could become after bursting onto the scene as a fresh-faced teenager in 2016.

Ten Hag added: “He has such high potential and I think there can be even more. When he works well, he will even score more goals.”

The issue for United is what happens should Rashford fail to maintain his unparalleled scoring streak. He has been an ever-present in United’s 17 games in a brutal schedule since the World Cup.

Fatigue will set in, evident in how the team ended up clinging on for a draw in the closing stages at the Nou Camp last week.

The good news for United is that Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer are back from suspension, while Anthony Martial, Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are still injured and Antony is a doubt.

For Spanish La Liga leaders Barcelona, Sergio Busquets is available again after missing the first leg with injury.

Ousmane Dembele is still out, with Pedri joining him in the treatment room after picking up a hamstring strain last week, while Gavi is suspended.

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez had nothing but praise for ten Hag. “I like him a lot. He has built a team and is getting the best out of all his players. Tactically, he is very good and he handles the dressing room very well,” he said.

“You see Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, the Portuguese guy (Bruno Fernandes). And look how Fred is playing.

“But Old Trafford motivates – it is one of those stadiums where you want to play at least once in your life, where you have to get the best out of yourself.” AFP