Antony, Martial, McTominay sidelined for Manchester United's Europa League clash with Barcelona
- Heinrich Griessel
- 15 February 2023
Manchester United will be missing Antony, Anthony Martial, and Scott McTominay when they lock horns with Barcelona in the Europa League.
Erik ten Hag's side take on the LaLiga leaders at the Nou Camp on Thursday evening in the first leg of their knockout play-off.
Antony, Martial and McTominay are set to miss the match through injury having missed training at Carrington on Wednesday morning ahead of flying to Spain.
Lisandro Martinez and on-loan Marcel Sabitzer are suspended for the first leg in Barcelona, but Casemiro is available as his current ban only impacts domestic matches.
The Europa League play-off is shaping up to be an exciting clash that manager Ten Hag believes would have been worthy of the final.
"I think Barcelona and (us) as well (would) have preferred to play (this match) in the final," he told UEFA.
"We are looking forward (to it), it (takes) a lot of energy searching for that finish, and it will be a great game.
"Hopefully, everyone is fit for Barcelona and for us. So we see a game (that will be played) at the highest level.
"As a player, I admire (Xavi). Barcelona, the way (they) played with him: he was such an important part of the team, you can see that the philosophy he now brings (to the team) is his Barcelona.
"I really like his team, the attacking way of play. I think he is (heading) in the right direction. I think it's going to be a good challenge between Manchester United and Barcelona."
Key stats
Barcelona have won 11 matches in a row (all competitions)
Barcelona have conceded one goal in seven games
Man United have won 12 of their last 15 games (all comps)
Arsenal are the only team to beat Man United in 2023
Man United have scored 15 goals in six games
Marcus Rashford has scored in four straight Premier League games
Suggested bets
Over 2.5 goals
Both teams to score
Barcelona to win the first leg
