Manchester United's Europa League play-off tie against Barcelona promises to be a thrilling encounter, even without all the 'little' sub-plots that come with it. The Spanish side won 4-0 on aggregate against United in the Champions League in 2019, and before that, secured a 3-1 victory over them in the 2011 final at Wembley.
With the two teams very rarely coming head-to-head, it is a special encounter whenever they do. Barcelona have already admitted that United was the worst possible draw, and the Reds would probably say the same. The two-legged tie promises to be a spectacle, fitting of a Champions League clash, rather than a Europa League play-off.
Barcelona have been impressive under Xavi since the club's former player took charge, with the Catalan giants - despite failing to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League - starting to look like they can compete with Real Madrid in LaLiga.
