Barcelona coach Xavi forgot the name of Manchester United striker Bruno Fernandez during his pre-match press conference before the second leg of the European League decider between the two teams at Old Trafford on Thursday night. Xavi eventually referred to Fernandes as “the Portuguese” naming him as one of Manchester United’s dangers alongside Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Fred.
Barcelona and United drew 2-2 in the first leg at the Nou Camp last Thursday and the fans were in for a thrilling spectacle. The La Liga giants opened the scoring five minutes into the second half when former Chelsea left back Marcos Alonso headed in Rafinha’s corner kick. Rashford equalized two minutes later, before the Red Devils took the lead with an own goal from Jules Conde. But former Leeds winger Ravenha scored late in the game to send both sides to Old Trafford with all the aces in hand.
Xavi was full of praise for United boss Erik ten Hag before the second game: “He’s very good, I like him a lot. He’s built a team and got the best out of all his players. That says a lot about him. Tactically, he’s very good and he manages the locker room.” well. “
The Spaniard then referred to United’s star players, as the name Fernandes eluded him. “He (Ten Hag) draws all the talent from his players,” Xavi added. “You see Sancho, Rashford and the Portuguese. And see how Fred plays.”
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The Red Devils have played their best in years under Ten Hag and have gone from Premier League title contenders to true title contenders this season. The Red Devils climbed to third place in the Premier League table and are just five points behind leaders Arsenal.
The Red Devils are still looking for four titles this season, as they face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, before playing in the fifth round of the FA Cup against West Ham next Wednesday.
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But United will focus first on their match against Barcelona, who qualified for the Europa League play-offs after finishing third in their Champions League group before Christmas. Ten Hag drew with Barcelona after failing to beat Real Sociedad at the top of their Europa League group. The second leg in Manchester is as eagerly awaited as any Europa League match in recent years.
Fernandes has been in fine form with United since the departure of compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo in November, with four goals and six assists in his last 14 appearances in all competitions. And the 28-year-old will be sure to engrave his name in Xavi’s memory by playing a goalscoring role on Thursday night.
