Europa League: Man United Sweating on Fitness of 3 Key Players Ahead of Barcelona Cracker

Europa League: Man United Sweating on Fitness of 3 Key Players Ahead of Barcelona Cracker

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:26 PM
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  • Erik ten Hag is likely to miss the services of three key players when Man United battle Barcelona in the Europa League
  • The three players, who include Harry Maguire, are currently out injured, with the centre-back nursing a knee injury
  • United will be hoping to get the job done on Thursday night against the Spanish giants for a chance to qualify for the next round of the tournament

Manchester United are sweating over the fitness of three players ahead of their Europa League clash against Barcelona.

The two European heavyweights are set to lock horns on Thursday night at Old Trafford, with a spot in the next round of the competition at stake.

Erik ten Hag, Manchester United, Europa League, Old Trafford, Barcelona, Anthony Martial, Antony.
Erik ten Hag looks dejected after losing during the UEFA Europa League group E match between Manchester United and Real Sociedad at Old Trafford. Photo by Jose Hernandez.
Source: Getty Images

Metro UK reports that the first leg of the tie played at Camp Nou ended in a 2-2 thrilling win, with in-form United star Marcus Rashford finding the back of the net.

With the tie already wide open after the draw, a win of whatever scoreline will be enough for either side to progress to the next stage.

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However, United will have to embark on that fixture without key players who are likely to miss the tie through injury.

Which Man United stars are injured?

According to The Sun, the Red Devils could miss the services of Harry Maguire, Antony and Anthony Martial ahead of the second leg play-off clash against Barcelona.

The trio missed United's recent Premier League clash against Leicester City, where they secured a 3-0 win.

Maguire is understood to have missed the clash against his former side due to a knee injury and is unlikely to be fit enough to face Barcelona.

On his part, Martial has endured another injury-hit campaign at Old Trafford, with the Frenchman yet to play since the start of February.

Antony, meanwhile, is struggling with a muscular problem.

Ten Hag plots title win

Sports Brief had earlier reported that Erik ten Hag had disclosed Manchester United's grand plan to win the Premier League title. The Red Devils have not tasted Premier League glory for close to a decade.

United last won the domestic crown during the 2012/13 campaign under legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Old Trafford dwellers came closest to challenging for the EPL in 2017 under Jose Mourinho after they finished second behind Man City with 81 points.

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Fred Kennedy
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