Barcelona vs Manchester United: 3 key players to watch

Barcelona host Manchester United in a Europa League play-off round first leg tie on Thursday. We highlight three players who could decide the contest.

The Europa League is hardly the venue you would expect to see a famous Barcelona against Manchester United match. Especially after the giants of Europe appeared in the Champions League finals of 2009 and 201; both won by the Spanish outfit.

ALSO READ: Barcelona vs Man United: Europa League match preview

Kickoff on Thursday night is at 19:45 SA time and is expected to draw a global audience of fans looking to see which side will gain momentum before the return leg at Old Trafford.

Barcelona vs Manchester United: 3 key players to watch

Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)

While the former Bayern Munich striker hasn’t faced the Red Devils before he does have a prolific record against English teams. The Poland international has scored ten goals and contributed to seven team goals in 17 appearances. That’s enough to send a stern warning.

ALSO READ: Benni McCarthy lauded by EPL legend for work with Marcus Rashford

The in-form Barcelona star is also chasing another landmark; he could become the third player to 100 goals across UEFA club competitions as he starts this match on 98.

And with Lewandowski one goal using brings two as he has bagged a brace in six times in his last nine scoring outings in European competitions.

ALSO READ: Manchester United out to down Barcelona at the Nou Camp

Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)

If there’s one player who can match Lewandowski’s goal threat, it is the England star Marcus Rashford.

Since the World Cup, where manager Gareth Southgate only used him sparingly, he has scored 13 goals and added four assists in just 17 games. 

It’s the kind of form that has earned rave reviews from managers around Europe included Barcelona’s own Xavi.

ALSO READ: Man United attacker Marcus Rashford hits another landmark: Thank you Benni McCarthy!

‘He’s very, very dangerous’ – Xavi on Rashford

“In the transition he is very, very dangerous so we need to take care of all of them but especially Rashford,” added Xavi according to the BBC.

“He’s one of the most dangerous players now in Europe.”

Casemiro (Manchester United)

Most Manchester United fans wanted Frenkie de Jong to swap Barcelona for Manchester but many have forgotten this deal was ever on the cards.

The reason? The switch of Casemiro from Barca’s rivals Real Madrid and the form that the Brazilian has brought with him.

The dynamic midfielder has added weight in both defence and attack for the Red Devils and will be fresh and raring to go following his suspension after a straight red card earned in the Premier League.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY WADE PRETORIUS