Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has suggested that the mentality of his players makes it easier to select his starting line-up.
The Reds welcome Barcelona to Old Trafford for the second leg of their Europa League play-off on Thursday night, with the tie finely poised at 2-2 after an entertaining first leg in Spain last week. United looked set to be returning to Manchester with a lead - after a Marcus Rashford strike and an own goal - but Xavi's side levelled proceedings with around 15 minutes to play through former Leeds winger Raphinha.
With the away goals rule no longer in play, the winner of the second leg will progress to the knockout stages of the competition. For United, they will be boosted by the return of Marcel Sabitzer and Lisandro Martinez - with the pair having been suspended for the game last Thursday.
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Ten Hag has a number of selection calls to make - one of which will be deciding who starts at right-back. Aaron Wan-Bissaka played in the first leg, but Diogo Dalot could return for the second leg. The Portuguese ace insisted that 'everybody counts' ahead of the crunch tie.
"Obviously, it’s been a busy schedule but we are showing, in the last few games, that we are a squad," Dalot told United Review. "A lot of players are coming from the bench and making a difference.
"A lot of rotation and we are still getting the result and still getting the performance. We can show we are doing well, as a squad, and this is what we want to build for the future as well. That everybody counts and everyone can have a say in this team. It will only improve us and get us to be better for these kind of busy schedules.”
United manager Ten Hag claimed that having a positive mentality makes a difference when chasing victories and trophies, suggesting that it plays a part in his selection decisions.
When asked about Dalot's comments, Ten Hag told club media: ''Of course, mentality is always decisive, whether you win or lose. If you win games but also if you want to win trophies the mentality makes a difference.
"The element of belief, the winning attitude, the confidence that you have to show in every game and also in difficult situations, that makes a difference.''
Antony and Harry Maguire could both return for United against Barcelona. The Brazilian winger has missed the last four matches with a leg injury, while club captain Maguire sat out the win over Leicester on Sunday with a knee problem.
Barcelona, meanwhile, will be without midfielders Pedri and Gavi through injury and suspension respectively. However, Sergio Busquets could return, despite not playing since February 5 due to an ankle injury.
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