Fred proved Xavi right with Manchester United masterclass against Barcelona

Tactical approach shows how far United have come

The last time Manchester United hosted Barcelona in a European game they switched to a back five, but for both legs this time, they stuck with the formation they know best.

It might not seem like much, but it shows how much more belief they have under Erik ten Hag that they aren’t adapting their approach to limit their opponents and are instead focused on embracing their own attacking talents.

This signals the mentality shift that has already been implemented and shows United have proper elite ambitions again. They proved that on Thursday night.

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Ten Hag's big game blueprint

It feels like Ten Hag has really settled on his approach for the bigger games when he doesn't expect United to dominate proceedings, with a focus on disrupting the opponents and looking to smother them in midfield.

Casemiro's presence is of paramount importance to the tactic, and so is the selection of Fred alongside him, given his traits as a pressing midfielder with a tireless work rate.

United were well up for this one from the start, as they pressed with real intensity and hardly gave their opponents any time on the ball. Although they regressed as the half went on, the arrival of Antony at the break helped them find it again, as they did what they do best in the biggest games of all.

The long-term aims remain to become a side who can smother opponents into submission with a relentless passing style, but for now they most certainly have a viable back-up plan.

Right said Fred

There were a few raised eyebrows ahead of the match when Xavi identified Fred as one of the four main United danger men to watch out for. He will wish he wasn't right.