Two returning Manchester United players could make the difference vs Barcelona

Sancho's challenge

It is a blessing and a curse that Erik ten Hag can call upon three game-changers. Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho have had decisive impacts off the bench while Facundo Pellistri has been bright in almost all of his cameos.

Yet Pellistri has still not made his full United debut, Garnacho has not flourished as a Premier League starter and Sancho underwhelmed from the start against Leeds and Barcelona.

It will come in time. Sancho only returned to the matchday squad on February 1 and Garnacho is still 18. One has to start in the current United attack.

Also read: Varane explains the biggest difference between Man United this season and last

The likelihood tonight is it will be Sancho, who produced a season-best performance as a substitute against Leicester. His challenge is to reach that performance level in the first 45 minutes.

Back to make a difference?

The absences of Raphael Varane and Casemiro were apparent in the first half against Leicester. Ten Hag branded United's performance before the interval "rubbish" and as significant an issue as the zigzag backline was the midfield.

"We have to bring in a crucial position (Marcel) Sabitzer and then he has to know how to move in the timings of the occasions to create the right situations," Ten Hag explained. "It takes time but we don’t have time, we have to win games so everything has to go perfect."

For the first time, Ten Hag has the privilege to choose from Sabitzer, Casemiro and Fred. United have played in a 4-2-3-1 formation all season and Casemiro is undroppable. So one of Fred and Sabitzer will be benched.

De Jong to take a look at future surroundings?

When Paulo Dybala first strode onto the Old Trafford pitch in his Juventus suit in