Erik ten Hag's Raphael Varane claim looked more true than ever in Manchester United vs Barcelona

For a brief period of time, it appeared as though Manchester United were going to bring a 2-1 lead back to Old Trafford.

When Barcelona defender Jules Kounde put the ball into his own net with 31 minutes left on the clock, there was a feeling that Erik ten Hag's side were about to take the advantage in their Europa League play-off tie with the Catalan giants. However, Xavi's men, as they have done frequently this term, responded well.

It was the home side who took the lead in the 50th minute through former Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso, but United reacted positively and levelled proceedings through the in-form Marcus Rashford. Things got even better for the Reds - courtesy of French international Kounde - but Raphinha ensured the scoreline was level heading into the second leg.

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The Reds deserve credit for how they approached the game, and Casemiro - not for the first time this campaign - showed why United were willing to spend £70m on a 30-year-old in the summer. The Brazilian midfielder was superb against Barcelona. He is exactly the type of player, and character, that United have been crying out for in recent years.

His presence on the pitch helped those behind him, too. However, United's defenders, despite conceding twice, also performed well - and with no Lisandro Martinez due to suspension, Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw were both under pressure to deliver. The latter once again demonstrated why he is more than capable of playing at centre-back with a confident and assured showing, while his partner on the night did exactly what he has been doing for a decade.

It was the 29-year-old's 50th competitive appearance in a United