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The Manchester United momentum continues and the road to Budapest becomes clearer with this famous victory, a first since 2008 over Barcelona. After a summer, maybe two, dominated by talk of Frenkie de Jong joining Manchester United, it would be the man he might well have replaced that would outshine him during the second half.
“His role was to stop Frenkie de Jong, and be like a mosquito all over him. A brilliant performance,” Ten Hag said afterwards.
Victorious in 13 of their 16 away games this season. Losing to Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Real Madrid. Barcelona had been better than their hosts.
But Fred, starting his seventh successive game in the absence of Christian Eriksen who is out until at least mid-April, would drag his side by the horns and turn the tide United’s way.
Only Marcus Rashford (17) has netted more goals for Manchester United at Old Trafford this season than Fred (5), whose shot also led to Antony’s decisive winner.
There were other crucial players on this stage of course. “It was a good game, but we have to keep going.”
Fred’s transformation typifies all that is good about Ten Hag’s Manchester United, on its way back. And onto Wembley.
Bruno Fernandes talked up Manchester United’s history of great comebacks after the turnaround against Barcelona. He came up with an impressive response of his own on Thursday night.
After firing an early opening straight at Marc-Andre ter Stegen when he looked primed to score and then giving away a needless penalty for a tangle with Alejandro Balde, the player Xavi had labelled simply as “the Portuguese guy” was having a night to forget.
But ultimately, he would be at the heart of this statement United win. For the goals, it was his whipped pass which allowed Fred to convert and it was his quick feet which caused the problems which led to Antony’s conversion.
Since his Man Utd debut in February 2020, only four other players have been involved in more goals in major European competitions – Mohamed Salah, Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski. Wearing the captain’s armband, he is a leader for this side with his attitude and adds an edge, which was plain to see when he had words with Xavi or booted the ball at the floored Frenkie de Jong. But this one will be key to their success on four fronts in the run-in.
Manchester United have had 19 goals scored by substitutes in all competitions this season, the most of any side in Europe’s big five leagues. Antony’s will rank as one of the most important and came following a crucial switch by Erik ten Hag at the interval.
Wout Weghorst has started all 11 games since signing for United last month and is clearly a favourite of his compatriot.
Martinez had a big influence in keeping the Barcelona forward quiet, as well as the rest of a talented Barcelona team. And that’s exactly how he played, laser-focused on clearing every ball, making interceptions and keeping Barcelona from spoiling the Old Trafford party.
It was an impressive performance from a player who is growing into his role at Manchester United. If they are to have a chance of winning silverware this season, Martinez will have a say in their success. Remember, they are still in all four competitions.
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