Man Utd 'can beat anyone' after landing Barcelona Europa League scalp, says Ten Hag

Manchester United should fear no one in their quest to win four trophies said manager Erik Ten Hag after beating Barcelona 2-1 on Thursday to progress to the last 16 of the Europa League 4-3 on aggregate.

Robert Lewandowski's early penalty had given Barca the perfect start at Old Trafford.

But the La Liga leaders were again undone on the European stage as Fred levelled early in the second period before Antony delivered his biggest moment since arriving in Manchester from Ajax.

"Magnificent night," said Ten Hag, who has transformed United's fortunes in his first season in charge.

"That is another step because when you can beat Barcelona, your belief can be really strong because you are then able to beat anyone."

The fact that two of the continent's giants were clashing at this stage of Europe's second tier competition was evidence that both have fallen on harder times in recent years.

But United are riding the crest of a wave as they remain in the hunt for trophies on four fronts.

The Red Devils could end a six-year wait for silverware when they face Newcastle in the League Cup final on Sunday.

But they left nothing in reserve to secure their biggest European scalp since dumping Paris Saint-Germain out of the Champions League last 16 in dramatic fashion in 2019.

"I think we have some great personalities in this team," added Ten Hag.

"Everyone has such a strong belief in this team, you can see it. With the subs they bring energy and quality, they bring a different dynamic in games."

United are now unbeaten at Old Trafford in 18 games dating back to September but were forced to come from behind for the second time in the tie.

Barcelona were unbeaten in all competitions stretching back to October, when they were dumped out of the