Erik ten Hag seeks Alex Ferguson counsel ahead of Manchester United's rematch with Barcelona

Erik ten Hag has picked the brain of Alex Ferguson ahead of the huge Europa League clash against Barcelona, when the Manchester United boss believes his team need to produce their best performance of the season.

A week on from the chaotic 2-2 draw in Catalunya, the European heavyweights will go toe-to-toe in the return leg of the knockout round play-off at a packed Old Trafford on Thursday evening.

Ten Hag's fingerprints were clear in United’s display at the Nou Camp, where the Dutchman bemoaned some of the officiating and his side’s lack of cutting edge immediately afterwards.

It was a mightily impressive performance but he knows even more is needed to eliminated Barca before attention turns to Sunday’s shot at Carabao Cup glory against Newcastle.

"It’s not about credit, it’s about trophies," Ten Hag said of the progress his side have made since he took over at a low ebb in the summer.

"We have the opportunity (on Sunday) but the first focus point is always the next game and in that league we can’t win the (Europa League) trophy this week.

"We have to go from game and game with the focus, but especially we have to keep in the same mindset that every day we want to give a better version of ourselves.

"We are sure when you face such big teams as Barcelona you have to play your best otherwise you don’t have a chance.

"We want to get through, to go to the next round, so, really, tomorrow, really, we have to give the best performance from this season.

"We believe in it, we’re looking forward to it, so it gives a lot of energy."

Ten Hag’s improving side are the only team still fighting on four fronts, with a first Premier League title since Ferguson retired in 2013 still possible given they only trail leaders Arsenal by five points.

Rob