Raphinha hailed Manchester United as one of "the best teams in the world" ahead of his reunion with his former Premier League rivals.
The Brazilian, 26, left Leeds to join Barcelona in a £55million transfer last summer, when he was also linked with the Red Devils, Arsenal and Chelsea. He was one of the highest-rated wingers in England but has struggled since his move to Camp Nou, scoring four goals in 20 La Liga appearances.
While few would have predicted it at the start of the season, European giants Barca and United will lock horns on Thursday in the first of two play-off legs for a spot in the Europa League last 16. Despite the fact neither side are in the Champions League, Raphinha insists they are up there with the best in the business.
"I think they are two of the best teams in the world," Raphinha said ahead of the first leg. "Barca had a bad time in recent seasons and Manchester [United] did too. All clubs go through difficult times but you have to change your mind to be the best again."
Raphinha is still waiting for his first European goal for Barca, although he did pick up two assists during the Champions League group stage, before the Blaugrana dropped to the Europa League. His latest goal in the latter competition came back in the 2018/19 season, when he scored for Sporting Lisbon.
Raphinha has spent the majority of his career as a right-winger who cuts back onto his stronger left foot, as is the norm for wide forwards these days. However, he has spent plenty of time on the opposite flank this season, leading to him holding talks with Barcelona manager Xavi.
"I spoke with Xavi and told him that I would like to compete where I can contribute to the team, on the right," Raphinha said last November. "On the left, I can't contribute much."
Who will progress to the Europa League last 16: Barcelona or Manchester United? Have your say in the comments!
Having spoken of his admiration for United ahead of Thursday's first leg, Raphinha also name-dropped "great person" Casemiro as a player he would like to play alongside. This was likely to be an unpopular answer among Catalans as the Brazilian midfielder, 30, spent nine trophy-laden years at arch-rivals Real Madrid.
Nonetheless, Raphinha told ESPN: "I would love to have Casemiro on my team. In addition to his experience and what he has achieved in football, he is a great leader, a great person. He manages to complete a team with football, with the quality he has, with the defensive part he has, he is one of the best midfielders in the world."
