6 talking points as Man Utd perform comeback to dump Barcelona out of Europe
Manchester United came from behind against Barcelona for a second week running, and this time they held on to reach the Europa League last 16, with Antony scoring the decisive goal.
Robert Lewandowski's penalty put the visitors ahead, ensuring Barca had an early edge after the first leg ended all-square. The Poland international converted from the spot after Bruno Fernandes brought down Alejandro Balde just inside the box, and that was the only goal of the first half.
United changed things up at half-time, though, and got an immediate reward through Fred's equaliser. As Barca looked for a second, they were hit by a sucker punch when substitute Antony found a way past Marc-Andre ter Stegen to send the home side through.
United boss Erik ten Hag made some big calls with his starting XI, and was almost rewarded inside five minutes as Bruno Fernandes broke free and drew a save from Ter Stegen. Barcelona had changed the left-hand side of their defence, with Balde and Andreas Christensen in for Jordi Alba and Marcos Alonso, and the new additions left the Portugal star in acres of space.
The battle between Fernandes and Balde went the way of the Spaniard the second time around, with Man Utd's man dragging back his opponent in the box to concede a penalty. Robert Lewandowski stepped up to score his first goal against United, despite De Gea getting a hand on his spot-kick, and it could have been two but for a double block from Casemiro on the stroke of half-time.
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United were a different team after the break, scoring twice without reply to book their place in the last 16. Here are Mirror Football ' s talking points from Old Trafford.
1. Subs prove crucial
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Antony scored Man Utd's winner (PA)With a one-goal deficit at the break, Man Utd new something needed to change. Thankfully, Erik ten Hag knew exactly what to do with his substitutes.
Antony hadn't featured since February 4 due to injury, and there might have been a temptation to keep him fresh with the Carabao Cup final on the horizon. Instead, though, the former Ajax star was given 45 minutes in a move which effectively said "go on, show us you're ready".
As team-mates took wild shots 18 minutes from time, the Brazilian was the calmest man in the ground. A perfectly-placed, measured finish was enough to send the fans wild and remind them of his quality after a quiet few weeks even before his injury.
2. Fernandes' error unpunished
Bruno Fernandes gave away a first-half penalty (Dave Thompson/AP/REX/Shutterstock)Normally when Manchester United fans hear the words "Bruno Fernandes" and "penalty", it's good news. Not this time, though, with the midfielder dragging back Balde to give the visitors a boost.
Given Barcelona's scary defensive record in La Liga, the hosts will have wanted to avoid allowing their opponents a lead to defend. Not only that, but the Barca left-back wasn't posing any great threat when brought down in the box.
Robert Lewandowski scored his first goal against United from the spot, though not without the best efforts of De Gea. Thankfully for the home side, though, they were able to hit back.
3. Sancho switch pays off
Jadon Sancho made more of an impact after being moved wide (PA)Erik ten Hag has spoken about moving Jadon Sancho into a number 10 role this season, and that was the decision for Barcelona's visit. Wout Weghorst had started in a withdrawn role at Camp Nou, but this time it was Sancho behind the Dutch striker.
The experiment only lasted 45 minutes this time, though, with the England international moved to the left as Weghorst made way for Antony. The shift paid dividends, with the home side winning the ball high on the left and Fred finishing off the move.
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With the visiting defenders tired, Alejandro Garnacho was thrown on for Sancho to run at those weary legs. The Argentine caused plenty of problems, both before and after the winner, to ensure his team's progress.
4. Barca missing young stars
Gavi was suspended after his booking in the first leg (PA)After their impact in the first leg, there were concerns over how Barcelona would fare without the injured Pedri and suspended Gavi. Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto aren't without qualities of their own, but it was still a tweak Xavi might rather not have had forced upon him.
Frenkie de Jong carried a great deal of the load, helping out at both ends. It wasn't easy for the Dutchman to do so much work on his own, though, and one wonders what the dynamics might have looked like with just one of Pedri and Gavi, let alone both.
5. Unsung heroes earn Ten Hag's trust
Fred's equaliser began Man Utd's comeback (AFP via Getty Images)Early in the game, Ten Hag called Aaron Wan-Bissaka over for instructions as Barca found joy down his side. The former Crystal Palace man has worked his way back into the team in recent weeks, and there may have been a preference for his defensive strengths when he got the nod ahead of Diogo Dalot, but there was a period under Ten Hag when he was barely considered an option.
Ten Hag did eventually change his right-backs, but not until after the hour mark. Wan-Bissaka had given his all in a battle with Balde down his flank, and it was time for an attacking switch.
Wan-Bissaka isn't the only man to revive his career under the Dutch manager. Fred has grown into a big player for the Red Devils, as emphasised by his inclusion ahead of Marcel Sabitzer at Old Trafford, and the Brazilian put a shaky first half behind him to come into his own after the break.
6. More referee complaints
Erik ten Hag had words with referee Clement Turpin (Dave Thompson/AP/REX/Shutterstock)After the first leg, Ten Hag was clearly not best pleased with the refereeing at Camp Nou. He felt Jules Kounde should have seen red for a challenge on Marcus Rashford which wasn't given as a foul, and made his position clear.
There were further issues in tonight's game, with referee Clement Turpin coming under fire for failing to award an early free-kick in Rashford's favour. United's boss was visibly animated on the touchline during at least one first-half moment, with small margins at play.
It could have been costly, especially when the visitors had a narrow lead to protect at the break. Thankfully for United, though, the potential controversies can be put behind them.
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