Erik ten Hag aims to for Europa League victory at Barcelona in the 'Manchester United way' in last 32

Erik ten Hag is not just aiming for victory at Barcelona in the last 32 of the Europa League, but hoping to “win in a Manchester United way”. The Dutchman takes charge of his first European knockout tie as United manager, facing a Barcelona side who lead La Liga but failed to qualify from the Champions League group stages.

Ad They are perhaps the toughest opponents Man Utd could have drawn, and speaking to BT Sport ahead of kick-off, Ten Hag admitted it was a tough test. Europa LeagueTen Hag speaks out on De Jong transfer saga ahead of reunion in BarcelonaA DAY AGO “You don’t have any influence on the draw, it’s what you get you have to beat, and that’s why we’re here,” he said.

Casemiro, currently suspended for domestic matches after a sending off against Crystal Palace, was praised by Ten Hag as he was recalled to a starting line-up with plenty of experience. Ten Hag said: “Casemiro has a really strong effect on our game...composure, positioning, coaching, everyone is more confident when he’s on the pitch.” Conte to remain in Italy to continue recovery from surgery, Stellini to take charge of first team Arteta has 'belief' in Arsenal title challenge despite Man City defeat Chelsea owner Boehly flies to Paris for Neymar talks — Paper Round Despite coming into the game as underdogs, Ten Hag was optimistic of his side’s chances of success, and suggested they would not play defensively.

«We have a strong counter, but we need to bring Barca out of their comfort zone, so we will press them high when possible. “We have players who are capable to play so we will play, we have to go forward.