Why the world will be watching Barcelona vs Manchester United

Ahead of Manchester United and Barcelona’s clash in the Europa League at Camp Nou on Thursday, it is worth a look back at their previous meetings.

They have faced off 13 times in all competitions, with Barcelona being the more successful, with six wins, compared to United’s three, as well as four draws.

These 13 meetings have included some huge games. Here are some of the standouts:

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A Manchester United victory, courtesy of a brace from Mark Hughes, before Ronald Koeman scored a consolation for Barcelona.

The victory in Rotterdam gave United their first European title since the 1968 European Cup final win over Benfica. It was also a key stepping stone for United, as they went on to win their first league title in 26 years the following season.

Ferguson’s United beating Johan Cruyff’s famed Barcelona was a momentous achievement, effectively shutting out Michael Laudrup, one of the best players of all time.

Barcelona however, did not let the defeat derail their progress, as they won four consecutive La Liga titles under the great Johan Cruyff from 1991-1994.

United and Barcelona were pitted together in the so-called 'group of death' with eventual runners-up Bayern Munich and Denmark's Brondby, and the home and away fixtures between the two go down as perhaps their finest encounters.

The Reds got off to a flyer at Old Trafford, taking a 2-0 first-half lead through Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes before the visitors came back to level terms. David Beckham's sublime free-kick at the Stretford End restored the lead, but a late Barca penalty (and subsequent Nicky Butt sending-off) confirmed the 3-3 draw.

The return at the Nou Camp would prove even more compelling. Sonny Anderson