Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag insisted “it doesn’t matter” who his side face in the last 16 of the Europa League.
But former United striker Robin van Persie cheekily insisted there is one side his fellow Dutchman would be hoping to avoid in Friday’s draw, in which United will be one of the eight unseeded teams.
The Red Devils booked their spot with a 2-1 win over Barcelona at Old Trafford on Thursday night, sealing a 4-3 aggregate victory. The La Liga leaders took a first-half lead through Robert Lewandowski’s penalty, but a second-half turnaround inspired by Ten Hag’s attacking changes at the break, saw goals from Brazilian duo Fred and Anthony earn United victory.
Asked if he had thought about who United might face in the last 16, Ten Hag told BT Sport: “It doesn’t matter for me!
I focus on Newcastle United [in the Carabao Cup final], that is the only thing that counts. Doesn’t matter who will come, we have to beat them all, we know that, if you want to win a cup.
“We will see. We will respect every opponent, don’t get me wrong.
“But we are well prepared and we have strong belief we can do it.”
However, Van Persie swiftly interjected, pushing the claims of the club where he both began and ended his career, and where he currently works as a coach: “I think Erik wants to play against anyone except one team. Who’s that? Feyenoord!”
Ten Hag, of course former head coach of the Rotterdammers bitter rivals, Ajax, would be unquestionably met with a hostile welcome at De Kuip. He replied: “I go to [Robin] to get all the information! No, I think it’s a possibility.”
Asked who he would be siding with if two sides were drawn against each other, the Dutchman replied: “I work for Feyenoord now! And Feyenoord is my childhood team so.. difficult one.
“Listen, Manchester United won so many things over the years, let Feyenoord win this one then!”
