Xavi knows Manchester United unsung hero could play key role in Barcelona second leg

There can be no ignoring the obvious storylines heading into Manchester United's clash with Barcelona tomorrow night. This is a match that wouldn't look out of place in the latter stages of the Champions League, a famous tie that has been played as a final three times before, as two of the biggest behemoths in world football face off.

Then there are the individuals. Marcus Rashford is the man in form, Frenkie de Jong the one who got away, and Erik ten Hag is the manager who grew up idolising Johan Cruyff, a man as famous with Ajax as he is with Barcelona.

Yet, it could be an unsung hero who plays a key role in deciding the outcome, something that Xavi is well aware of himself.

Read more: Victor Osimhen has told Ten Hag exactly what he wants to hear

Speaking ahead of the match, the Barcelona manager told The Times of his admiration for Ten Hag, not only as a tactician, but also for his managerial ability.

Rashford and Jadon Sancho are the two clearest examples of that in recent weeks, but so too is Fred, a player who is so often frustrating but also so often fantastic.

“He is very good, I like him a lot," he said of the manager. "He has built a team and is getting the best out of all his players. That speaks well of him. Tactically he is very good and he handles the dressing room very well.

"Ten Hag is getting all the talent out of his players. You see Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, the Portuguese guy [Bruno Fernandes]. And look how Fred is playing . . ."

It says a lot that Xavi has taken notice of Fred's performances as of late, even more so that he chose to name-check him as one of those with talent.

The 29-year-old is the self-confessed 'piano carrier' who can be taken for granted, but on many occasions this