Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is happy to have five world-class players in his possession after a spectacular comeback against Barcelona.
Dutch strategist Erik ten Hag created another impressive victory for Man United when he defeated Barcelona 2-1 in the second leg of the Europa League on the morning of February 24, after the first leg drew 2-2.
Manchester United seem to have regained their form and winning habits. After a decade of mediocrity, the emotional 2-1 win over Barcelona shows the Red Devils are headed for a great season.
Express Sport identifies five world-class players that Erik ten Hag has to achieve his desire to win everything he can at Old Trafford.
Lisandro Martinez
Midfielder Martinez has a modest height but is the most reliable stop of Man United. Photo: GETTY.
Many pundits, including former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher, were quick to dismiss Lisandro Martinez after the centre-back struggled in early season losses to Brighton and Brentford. However, no one doubts the Argentine player at this point. Martinez may be small in stature, but his aggressiveness and tenacity make him one of the best defenders in the world right now.
Martinez has become a rock for United during the season, with the 25-year-old clearly an upgrade for Harry Maguire. He performed brilliantly on the morning of February 24, managing to choke striker Robert Lewandowski at the front of Barcelona’s attack.
Raphael Varane
The French midfielder has been in fact world-class for a decade. He was a great asset to Real Madrid during his time at the Bernabeu, helping them win four Champions League titles while he was in Spain.
Varane has been a top defender for a decade. Photo: GETTY.
Last season, United did not really see Varane at his best with injuries preventing him from playing as often as he would like. However, the image of the French player now is a different story. Varane is a key link against Barcelona and his partnership with Martinez is clearly growing stronger.
Casemiro
This defensive midfielder is said to be the real reason Man United reached the round of 16 of the Europa League. As Casemiro’s team was trailing 0-1, the Brazilian made a beautiful double save as he put his body on the line to stop Barcelona’s chance.
Casemiro was a quality signing under Ten Hag. Photo: GETTY.
And Casemiro’s performance as a warrior in midfield shows that he is one of the best signings United have made in years. Casemiro was able to surpass Sergio Busquets, which is not an easy thing compared to the quality of the Barcelona star. And if he maintains this form until the end of the season, Casemiro will rise to new heights.
Bruno Fernandes
The Portuguese midfielder spoke to former Man United defender Rio Ferdinand before the game, revealing that he would do everything for his team. Initially, the midfielder had difficulty making an impact against Barcelona after having to expand the game.
Bruno had a decisive pass to help Fred score against Barca. Photo: GETTY.
But then Ten Hag saw an opportunity to turn the tide, choosing Bruno as his favorite number 10. It was a decision that paid off and Bruno Fernandes was spectacular in the second half, setting up Fred for the equalizer.
Marcus Rashford
Man United’s number one striker failed to score his 24th goal against Barcelona. But despite that, there’s no doubt the England international has finally come of age. Rashford created a threat when used in the middle and played with all his might, chasing Barcelona’s backline and forcing fouls whenever possible.
The English striker is the “pet” of coach Ten Hag. Photo: GETTY.
Now, the task of coach Ten Hag is to choose the best way of playing Rashford to serve his play. Some people think Rashford plays well on the left, others put him in the middle. However, wherever he plays, there is no denying that Rashford is one of the best players in the world right now.