Manchester United midfielder Fred has given his reaction to the tantalising clash that awaits the Reds as they lock horns with Barcelona in February for a place in the Last 16 of the UEFA Europa League.
Monday’s Europa League draw saw United and Barcelona paired against each other, and Brazilian midfielder Fred told the Man United media team that he is relishing the prospect of going up against the Catalan side.
“We players like playing in great fixtures like these ones, and we are prepared for this game. God willing, we’ll qualify for the next round.”
For United to progress to the next stage of the Europa League, the team will need to put in a strong showing against a Barcelona side, who currently sit top of the La Liga standings at the time of writing.
It is these types of big games that have brought the best out of United this season as they seem to raise the intensity up a notch, which was evident in the wins against Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham under Erik ten Hag this season.
Fred has faith that United will rise to the occasion once again in a fixture of this magnitude against Barcelona.
“We know that Barcelona is a great team,” he told the Manchester United media team following Monday’s draw.
“It won’t be an easy game, there are no easy games in the Europa League. We were drawn against Barcelona. It will be a great game, I’m sure we are ready for it.
Man United will head to Spain to play Barcelona in the first leg, which has been pencilled in for Thursday 16 February 2023 at 17.45 GMT, whilst the return leg will take place in Manchester the following Thursday night at 20.00 GMT.
Given that the game against Barcelona will be challenging, United will need the fans to be their 12th man and Fred expects them to come out in numbers and support the team at both the Nou Camp and at Old Trafford.
“Our stadium has always had a great atmosphere with the fans constantly behind us,” he continued, when asked about the second leg in Manchester.
“Obviously, we haven’t done as well in the last few seasons, but they have always been together with us, supporting the team.
“This season is no different; every game, the big games, they were here, and we’ve had some great games and victories.
“I’m sure they’ll be here against Barcelona supporting us, they’ll give us strength to get the win. That’s why it’s so important to play in front of our fans and get a result here.”