“The worst we could face” – Xavi dreading playing ‘improved’ Manchester United after draw

As far as Europa League knockout round goes, there’s no denying that Manchester United vs Barcelona is the most enticing.

Erik ten Hag, who has just seen his side lose 3-1 to Aston Villa, certainly won’t have been overly enthused at the prospect of facing Xavi’s men, regardless of their struggles in European football this season.

Still, it’s a matchup he will have to get Manchester United players ready for after the World Cup, and the same will go for the Barcelona manager, who gave a press conference right after the draw.

Asked about the matchup against the Red Devils, he said, relayed by Sport: “The draw has given us the most difficult matchup, again. Manchester United are a great rival, the worst that we could face. We will have to compete very well, they have improved a lot since the arrival of Ten Hag.”

It’s clear this isn’t what Xavi will have wanted, and there might even be a bit of worry in those words, as he probably would have preferred an easier matchup at this stage of the competition.

Following their 3-1 loss to Aston Villa at Villa Park at the weekend, Manchester United will now prepare to face Unai Emery’s new side once again on Thursday in the EFL Cup.

After that, Ten Hag’s men will then face Fulham away in the Premier League prior to the break for the World Cup.