Manchester United tactic vs Barcelona showed Erik ten Hag's true opinion of Frenkie de Jong

Given that his main responsibility was simply to stop an opposition player, Fred enjoyed quite the evening on Thursday.

The Brazilian midfielder, selected ahead of Marcel Sabitzer and in the absence of the injured Christian Eriksen, was incredibly impressive in the Europa League victory over Barcelona. He scored the equaliser in the second leg as Erik ten Hag's side secured a 4-3 aggregate victory over the Catalan giants in the playoff clash.

Fred somewhat struggled in the first leg - which finished 2-2 at Camp Nou - but he was much more assured at Old Trafford on Thursday night. He had a job and he did it. Not to mention helping out at the other end of the pitch, too.

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It is clear that United manager Ten Hag thinks very highly of Frenkie de Jong. It was somewhat common knowledge before the midweek clash - given that the Reds spent all summer trying to sign the Dutchman - but in the game between the two sides on Thursday, it became even more evident.

United spent the entirety of last summer trying to pry De Jong away from Barcelona, but the midfielder, who played under Ten Hag at Ajax, was not keen on the move. The 25-year-old appeared to have fallen down the pecking order under Xavi, but in recent months, he has become integral to their success.

De Jong has played 20 times in La Liga this term, and with Barcelona currently possessing an eight-point lead over rivals Real Madrid at the top of the table, he could very well go on to win the title. He also featured heavily in the Catalans' brief Champions League campaign, as well as in the play off clash with United.

The midfielder played the full 90 minutes in both legs. He impressed in