'One of the best clubs' - Barcelona ace Raphinha praises Man United ahead of Europa League fixture

Barcelona attacker Raphinha is expecting a tough battle against Manchester in the Europa League play off tie, with the first leg taking place at Camp Nou on Thursday night.

The Spanish outfit dropped into the Europa League after failing to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages, while Erik ten Hag's side finished behind Real Sociedad in Group E. With the two sides being drawn against each other last year, only one of them will progress to the knockout phase of the competition.

Xavi's men have won their last 11 matches in all competitions and currently hold an 11-point advantage over rivals Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table. Meanwhile, United are the only side in England still competing on all four fronts and will be desperate to add silverware to their expected top-four finish.

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Former Leeds United winger Raphinha was full of praise for United when questioned on the Reds, with the Brazil international insisting that Barcelona would need to be at their best to overcome Ten Hag's side.

"I expect a tough match. It's one of the best matches you can play, I hope it will be a good one. They are a difficult team and we know we need to win," Raphinha told reporters on Wednesday. "We are ready for the match, not only against United, but for the entire season. It's natural that there is fatigue during this stage of the season, but we are now in our best form and ready for the next stage.

"Manchester United is one of the best clubs in the world. They had a difficult time but they are a great team, and they have great quality players."

Raphinha, who has come under some criticism for his individual showings this season, has