Anthony came off the bench to score the winner to help Manchester United produce one of the high-scoring football results of the midweek action in the Europa League. Erik ten Hag’s team had work to do after Robert Lewandowski’s early penalty, but his half-time substitution turned the game around with second-half goals from Fred and substitute Antony enough to send United through to the round of 16 at the expense of Xavi’s Barcelona. It was a comeback that did not appear likely at the half but instead made it a night to remember for Antony and Ten Hag’s rising team. They enter Sunday’s Carabao Cup final having won four separate competitions.
The anticipation of a match against fellow European heavyweights had created a boisterous environment before to kick-off. Nevertheless, for all the excitement and bustle inside Old Trafford, it was Barcelona who struck first. Bruno got the game’s first chance, finding himself free on the right but only being able to shoot into the feet of Marc-Andre Ter Stegen in the Barcelona goal. But that was a small flaw in comparison to the catastrophic miscalculation that was to come later.
Alejandro Balde was rushing away from goal in the penalty zone when the Manchester United captain pulled on his arm. It was stupid, and despite getting a hand on Lewandowski’s penalty, David de Gea could only palm the ball into the top corner of the net. Marcus Rashford, who had scored 16 goals in 17 games since the World Cup, looked dangerous, and Old Trafford was rocking whenever he received the ball. But, once in front, Barcelona had some control thanks to Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong.
The 2-2 draw in Camp Nou a week earlier had ebbed and flowed, revealing the strengths and shortcomings of both squads. This time, though, there was a 45-minute contrast. Ter Stegen appeared composed. De Gea’s kick almost gave Barcelona a second goal. The manager of Manchester United did so by removing the ineffectual Wout Weghorst and rejigging his attacking line with the entrance of Antony. The payoff was immediate, Fernandes squaring for Fred and blasting past Ter Stegen with his weaker right foot.
De Gea had to make another spectacular save to deny Jules Kounde at the other end, but the momentum was with United, and they quickly took the lead in the tie. The corner work of Luke Shaw and Fernandes eventually resulted to Antony’s calm finish on the angle. Old Trafford exploded with joy as they witnessed the moment they had been anticipating – the team they had been anticipating. Xavi, the manager of Barcelona, attempted to flip the tie from the bench, but he was unable to recreate Ten Hag’s feat. The Dutchman’s rehabilitation of this historic institution is still ongoing.
Manchester United has the most goals scored by substitutes in Europe’s top five leagues this season, with 19 in all competitions. Antony’s will go down as one of the most significant, coming after a critical switch by Ten Hag during the interval. Weghorst has started all 11 games for United since signing last month and is undoubtedly a fan favorite among his countrymen. Yet Ten Hag is brutal enough to see when something isn’t working, and his quick substitution at halftime aided his team’s comeback.
Fernandes went to the midfield, and Jadon Sancho reverted to the left. Rashford got up front and gave that menace in behind. Antony played on the right side of the field. It was successful. Fernandes scored the equalizer after moving to the left. Antony scored the game-winning goal. Ten Hag has been frustrated by a lack of options throughout much of his time in command. He’ll undoubtedly want more next season. Yet, he has previously demonstrated his ability to discern what is necessary for a game and create a solution. It was crucial versus Barcelona.
“Yes, I believe so. We’ve had several good triumphs, including home victories over Liverpool and Arsenal,” Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag said. “Over two legs, against La Liga leaders Barcelona, who are eight points clear of Real Madrid. This week, we’ve all watched Real Madrid. Thus, if you can conquer them, then this is my biggest victory.”
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