Barcelona vs Manchester United | 2022/23 EL

Let’s have a look at the probable Manchester United line-up as they travel to Spain to take on FC Barcelona in the UEFA Europa League play-off round. A blockbuster encounter awaits Camp Nou as the Catalans host the Red Devils in the first leg of the play-off tie this Thursday.

With both sides keen on securing silverware this season, the hosts will be keen on delivering a compelling display whilst the visitors will look to build on their winning momentum moving further into the competition. Having secured five consecutive wins in the competition heading into the fixture, the Red Devils will look to secure a positive result on Thursday.

Robert Lewandowski, Marcus Rashford, Manchester United, Barcelona — Image Obtained Via Sporting News

Having lost only four of their 16 away games across all tournaments this season, Erik ten Hag’s side will be keen on building on their impressive tally of results as they look to establish themselves as strong contenders for the Europa League title over the coming weeks.

A slew of players remain out of contention for Manchester United against Barcelona this Thursday, with Donny van de Beek, Scott McTominay, Antony, Anthony Martial, and Christian Eriksen all missing out due to injury whilst the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer remain ineligible to feature in the match-day squad due to suspension.

Probable Manchester United Starting Line-Up Against Barcelona

Goalkeeper

David de Gea (GK): Consistent in his displays across recent outings, De Gea will look to build on his decent form moving further into the season. With the Spaniard’s contributions critical to the team’s prospects, the keeper will be keen on performing to the best of his abilities over the coming fixtures.

Defenders

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB): With Diogo Dalot likely to be granted a rest, Wan-Bissaka will be keen on making the best of his opportunity on Thursday. Having shown notable improvement across his overall game, the right-back will look to mount a challenge for a starting spot moving forward.

Raphael Varane (RCB): Expected to return to the starting line-up, Varane will be keen on continuing to remain consistent in his displays over the coming weeks. Amongst the most notable performers for Manchester United this season, the former Real Madrid centre-back will be keen on delivering an impressive display against Barcelona.

Luke Shaw (LCB): With Martinez suspended for the fixture, Shaw emerges as the likeliest of options expected to replace the Argentine alongside Varane at Camp Nou. Amongst the team’s most consistent players this season, the English defender will look to deliver a notable display against the Catalans.

Tyrell Malacia (LB): Expected to be included in the starting line-up facing Xavi’s men, Malacia will be keen on making the best of the opportunity against the Blaugrana. Promising in his cameo performances, the left-back will look to deliver a notable display on Thursday.

Midfielders

Casemiro (CDM): Pivotal to United’s prospects for the season, Casemiro will be keen on delivering an impressive display at Camp Nou. Having been the team’s most significant contributor this season, the midfielder will look to remain consistent in his output over the remainder of the campaign.

Fred (CM): Inconsistent in his performances, Fred is expected to retain his place in the starting line-up this Thursday. While much remains to be desired from his displays, the midfielder will be keen on finding rhythm on the pitch moving forward.

Attackers

Jadon Sancho (RW): Although having only returned to the fold, Sancho will be keen on returning to his best over the coming weeks. With the attacker expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s prospects, the winger will look to make the best of his opportunity against the Catalans.

Bruno Fernandes (CAM): Amongst the team’s most impressive players in recent weeks, Fernandes will look to continue building on his performances moving forward. With the team reliant on his creativity and work ethic, the Portuguese international will look to perform to his best on Thursday.

Marcus Rashford (LW): Consistent in his output, Rashford remains key to United’s goal-scoring prospects over the coming fixtures. Expected to play a key role in testing Barcelona’s defensive organisation, the England international will look to deliver a notable display at Camp Nou.

Wout Weghorst (ST): Impressive in his contributions in recent outings, Weghorst will be keen on finding the back of the net on Thursday. With the striker proving to be a versatile asset in attack, the Dutch forward will be keen on continuing to improve on his overall impact moving forward.