David de Gea: Manchester United Star Opens Up on Facing Robert Lewandowski’s Barcelona in Europa League

• David de Gea has admitted that Barcelona is a strong team ahead of their clash in the Europa League knockout stages next year
• Barcelona drew Manchester United after dropping to the Europa League after finishing third in theor Champions League group
• De Gea has opined that football fans will love the encounter between the two top sides when the Europa League resumes

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has given his initial reactions to the news that his side will face Barcelona in the knockout playoff of the Europa League.

Barcelona were drawn against Manchester United, with only one team proceeding to the round of 16.

Manchester United failed to get top spot from Real Sociedad in their Europa League group, while Barcelona were eliminated from the Champions League for the second consecutive year.

Speaking to the club's official website, De Gea has admitted that Barcelona will be a stern test for the Red Devils.

Champions League knockouts 'the first step' for Milan, says Pioli

Football

"We know Barcelona is a great team, I think they are playing well. If you want to win the Europa League, you have to play against the best teams and Barcelona is one of these. It’s one for the fans and we will try our best to win both games."

Two similar teams

Both teams are still undergoing some sort of transition, with Xavi Hernandez's side still reeling from the effects of Lionel Messi's departure. The Blaugrana are currently on top of the La Liga standings after a dramatic comeback victory against Osasuna.

Erik ten Hag, meanwhile, is trying to steady a ship that has been unstable since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

Europa League draw in full

Sports Brief had earlier reported that Barcelona and Manchester United are set to renew their European rivalry after drawing each other in the knockout round of the Europa League.

All of Manchester United's possible opponents after failing to win their Europa League group

Football

It will be a meeting between the game's finest footballers in, Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski.

This is the preliminary round between the teams that finished third in the Champions League and the runners-up in the Europa League groups. The winners proceed to the next round, where they will face the group winners.