It’s fair to say that Manchester United and Barcelona are two sides that have been commonly found in the Champions League standings throughout their history. However, difficult periods for both have led to them clashing in the Europa League this term.
But, there is a growing sense that both giant clubs are back on the right track, and it could be a matter of time before they are found back at the top of the Champions League odds. However, this week, United and Barcelona will be battling for a place in the next round of the Europa League. You can find our Manchester United vs Barcelona prediction for this sensational tie here.
Manchester United vs. Barcelona Matchup Information
Manchester United vs Barcelona
Location: Old Trafford, Manchester, England.
Date and Time: Thursday, February 23, 2023. 3:00 PM ET.
How To Watch: CBS Sport
Recent Scores For Last Game
United’s record against Barcelona isn’t the strongest, as they have picked up just a single victory from the previous eleven clashes between the sides. However, that win was picked up at Old Trafford, as the Red Devils won 1-0 in 2008.
Since then, United has gone five without a win against Barcelona. The Spanish giants have faced the Red Devils away from home on five previous occasions, but their only win was recorded on their previous trip in April 2019.
Manchester United vs Barcelona Analysis
Manchester United
This is the biggest seven days of the Erik ten Hag reign to date, as United face Barcelona just days before the club looks to end their six-year wait for a major piece of silverware against Newcastle United at Wembley. Ten Hag has done a tremendous job to this point, as the club has come a long way from where they were 12 months ago.
The Red Devils now find themselves in the hunt for four major honors this term, and a victory over Barcelona at Old Trafford would put them in good stead for the remainder of the season. It shows how far United has come under the Dutchman that there was disappointment following a 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp last week.
United was excellent in Spain last week, and deserved to take an advantage into this second leg. But, the Manchester United games keep coming thick and fast, and they will need star players to keep performing. Marcus Rashford continued his sensational form since the World Cup with a goal at the Nou Camp, which has now taken his tally for the season to 24 goals in all competitions.
Barcelona
Barcelona score well and is a club heading in the right direction under Xavi, as they look set to land the La Liga title this term. They are already eight points ahead in the race for the title, but their performances in Europe in the first half of the campaign meant that they weren’t able to add their name to the list of UCL games today.
In the first half of the campaign, Barcelona lost away from home against both Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, with their only win coming against Viktoria Plzen. However, their performances domestically have continued to impress, and they come into this fixture with one of the most lethal strikers in the game at the peak of his powers.
No player since 2019 has scored as many goals in major European competitions as Robert Lewandowski. However, Xavi has a number of issues ahead of this match, with both Gavi and Pedri missing in the midfield area. Ousmane Dembele also remains sidelined.
Odds Breakdown
Moneyline
- Manchester United: +125
- Barcelona: +220
- Draw: +230
Spread
- Manchester United (-1): +333
- Barcelona (+1): -163
Over/Under
Total Goals: Over 2.5 (-125) Under 2.5 (+100)
Manchester United vs. Barcelona Betting Pick and Prediction
It’s hard to avoid the hosts poor record against their rivals before making a Manchester United vs Barcelona prediction. However, the Red Devils are a much better side than the one that was thumped by Barcelona back in 2019.
United should have won the opening leg between the sides last week, and the Catalonian’s issues in the middle of the park could be telling. We once again expect goals in this second leg, but the Manchester United vs Barcelona prediction is for the hosts to progress.
- Pick 1: Manchester United (+125)
- Pick 2: Over 2.5 Goals (-125)
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