Erik ten Hag explains what Manchester United and Barcelona have in common

Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United and Barcelona are two clubs finally heading in the right direction again.

It will be a heavyweight clash in the relative minor leagues on Thursday as United take on Barca in a two-legged Europa League play-off tie to earn a spot in the last 16 of the tournament. It's a match worthy of the final of even Europe's top competition but both clubs have found themselves down on difficult times in recent years.

Yet, this season has seen them slowly return to their best. Barcelona are 11 points clear at the top of La Liga while United are in the Carabao Cup final and just five points behind leaders Manchester City. Ten Hag believes both clubs are on a similar trajectory.

Also read: How United should line up vs Barcelona in Europa League fixture

"I think we are both in the right direction but you are right, I think everyone has to see that as well," he told United's in-house media. When you are playing in the Europa League, that is not the place we want to be. These clubs, Barcelona and Manchester United, they belong in the Champions League. But you have to earn it, so we have to work hard. I think we are in both the right direction but we are very strong, both clubs."

Ten Hag was taking in the Camp Nou on Wednesday evening ahead of the game and also explained he always likes to assess an away pitch.

"I do it usually. Always when I come to an away stadium - Premier League or Europe - I go to the pitch. I want to see the pitch, I want to see the quality of the pitch and I take it into my preparation.

"Of course, you get a certain feeling from every stadium but it's just about imagination and how you want to prepare your team, that they are ready. All the small details can make the