Robin van Persie has praised Manchester United for their approach to the Europa League play off clash with Barcelona and suggested that he expects more entertainment in the second leg.
Erik ten Hag's side drew 2-2 with the Catalan giants in the first leg last week, thanks to a Marcus Rashford strike and an own goal from Jules Kounde. The Reds welcome Xavi's men to Old Trafford for the reverse leg on Thursday night, with a place in the knockout stages of the competitions up for grabs.
Former United striker Van Persie - who was present at training and Ten Hag's press conference on Wednesday - has suggested that his former side deserve credit for their ability to remain calm at the Camp Nou against a strong Barcelona side who are running riot in La Liga.
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The Dutchman also backed Rashford and Bruno Fernandes to have an impact when it matters, claiming that 'quality' players will always make a difference.
"It was like a Champions League-worth fixture," he told club media. "What I liked about that game was they always stayed calm. No matter what happened, they had to play with [nearly] 100,000 people against a very good side now and they stay calm and trust their own quality and ability.
"They know, sooner or later in a match, Marcus Rashford will have his moment. Bruno Fernandes is there. You have quality players in front who can make the difference. In any normal game, they will make that difference.
"It's all to play for now. From the fans' point of view, it's a joy to watch. Both teams want to attack, both want to play dominant football, both are very fit. I'm really looking forward to it."
Rashford scored United's opener against the Catalan outfit in the first leg last Thursday, while Fernandes grabbed two assists in the Premier League win over Leicester City last weekend.
Van Persie also admitted that he was impressed with the progress the club have made under Ten Hag. United are currently the only side in England still competing on all four fronts, and face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
He added: "The whole energy around the club is so much more positive than it used to be in the last few years. So that is like, Erik earns credit for that, but the players as well. Everyone earns credit.
"It's nice to see the whole energy around the club is so much more positive and the guys are working very hard for that."
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