Wayne Lumbasi
Manchester United came from behind to beat Barcelona at Old Trafford and progress to the Europa League last 16, sealing a 2-1 win on the night and a 4-3 aggregate victory.
Robert Lewandowski’s early penalty had given Barca the perfect start at Old Trafford. But the La Liga leaders were again undone on the European stage as Fred levelled early in the second period before Antony delivered his biggest moment since arriving in Manchester from Ajax.
The fact that two of the continent’s giants were clashing at this stage of Europe’s second tier competition was evidence that both have fallen on harder times in recent years. But United are riding the crest of a wave as they remain in the hunt for trophies on four fronts.
Thursday’s result was United’s first win against Barca since Paul Scholes scored in a 1-0 Champions League semi-final victory back in 2008. Manchester united will now turn their attention to Sunday, when they face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.
