Why UEL clash vs Barcelona could define Man United’s 2022-23 season
Man United 2023 season: Manchester United meet Barcelona in the UEL 1st leg clash of their Round of 32 match on Thursday night at Camp Nou.
The English side has improved leaps and bounds since the poor start to the season and Erik Ten Hag will likely face his biggest test of 2023 here.
If Manchester United can succeed in this battle against one of the most improved European sides in Barcelona; it could define the rest of their season.
So without further ado, we see why this clash in the UEL could define Man United 2023 season.
Two Unbeaten teams
Also read: 3 biggest surprises from PSG’s loss against Bayern Munich yesterday in UCL
Barcelona and Manchester United have been in brilliant form during recent times.
While Barcelona has not lost a single match in 16 attempts, Man United have lost just once since the start of the 2nd half of the 2022-23 season.
It’s a clash between two unbeaten sides who have taken giant strides in the current season after contrasting starts to the season.
Barcelona are 16 unbeaten and 11 points clear at the top of LaLiga! 📈#LaLiga #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/r6ZIJmFYzT
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) February 12, 2023
Erik ten Hag’s men are 3rd in the table while Barca top the La Liga standings. It is a chance for either side to take that giant leap in terms of progress in the season.
If United can overcome the Barcelona challenge, they could have a spring in their step which can see them through to a top end to the season.
Another trophy on the cards
United’s success in this clash could pave the way for the rest of their season in terms of achieving titles as well.
The English team has sealed a place in the EFL Cup final. But if they beat Barcelona, they will definitely attempt to aim for a 2nd UEL title.
This match holds the aces for the remainder of Ten Hag’s season with a number of quality battles set to take place.
Impressive Match-ups and Duels
Rashford has been United’s biggest threat with the Englishman delivering on a consistent basis.
The likes of Lewandowski, Raphinha, Pedri, de Jong have been Xavi’s turnaround players of the season.
Barcelona’s success has a massive contribution from the above 4 players in turning the tide around.
🚨🇳🇱 Xavi on Ten Hag: ‘He is a great coach. Reversing the situation of United was not an easy task and he’s doing it. The club and fans are excited again… He is an attacking coach and he shows it in almost every game. He is a reference for coaches who like this football.’ pic.twitter.com/t8r8jGvzWP
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) February 15, 2023
This UEL clash is set to see many duals and match-ups which could seriously test Ten Hag’s credentials in Europe.
Casemiro’s return is a huge relief after recent spillage of points showcased his importance to the Red Devils team.
The Red Devils’ defence will be tested as well against the in-form Barcelona attackers.
United won the UCL in 1999 at the Camp Nou and aspire to repeat those memories once again.
