Manchester United showed they are the 'real deal' against Barcelona in the Europa League, says Owen Hargreaves

Owen Hargreaves believes Manchester United showed that they were the “real deal” after their 2-2 draw with Barcelona. La Liga leaders Barca started as the favourites in the first leg of the Europa League playoff tie at the Nou Camp. Ad Marcos Alonso opened the scoring on 50 minutes but Marcus Rashford hit back two minutes later with a powerful strike to beat Marc-Andre ter Stegen at the near post.

Europa LeagueRashford will want to 'tear it up' against Barcelona — Hargreaves2 HOURS AGO Jules Kounde put the ball in his own net just before the hour mark to give United the lead, only for Barcelona to grab a late equaliser through former Leeds winger Raphinha. Both sides will feel they have a chance of progressing in the second leg, played at Old Trafford next Thursday. Either side could have come away with a win had things gone slightly differently, and former United midfielder Hargreaves believes it shows progress made under manager Erik ten Hag.

«If anyone was wondering if Manchester United are the real deal or not, that just shows,» Hargreaves told BT Sport. «They came here and went toe-to-toe with Barcelona. They could have easily won the game.” Former United midfield colleague Paul Scholes reflected on an end-to-end, frenetic match that reflected well on both sides.

Barcelona and Man Utd share spoils in thrilling 2-2 first leg draw at Nou Camp Conte won't return to Spurs until 'entire recovery' after surgery Rashofrd will want to 'tear it up' against Barcelona — Hargreaves He added: “What a game to watch. So exciting. There just wasn't a breath taken.

It was a bit of a throwback really. “This game is perfectly set up for next Thursday.” The winner of the tie advances to the last 16 of the Europa League. Europa