Manchester United played out a thrilling 2-2 draw with Barcelona in Thursday’s Europa League play-off first leg at the Nou Camp.
Marcos Alonso’s header just after half-time was cancelled out by yet another goal from Marcus Rashford on 52 minutes. The in-form striker was involved in United’s second goal seven minutes later when his cross came off Jules Kounde and found the net.
Raphinha brought the scores level again on 76 minutes with the hosts going on to press for a winner. Several terrific stops from David de Gea and a near-miss from Casemiro’s straggling boot meant we were treated to a dramatic final 15 minutes but United travel back to Old Trafford enthused by a good result and a terrific performance.
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Here are four things fans may have missed during the first leg.
Sancho reaction to Rashford equaliser
The pocket of United fans erupted when Rashford hit the leveller on 52 minutes and so did most of his teammates. However, Jadon Sancho, who had missed a gilt-edged chance earlier in the half, had a different presence of mind.
While his colleagues wheeled off to celebrate with Rashford, Sancho ran into the goal to get the ball and initially started to run back to the centre circle in a gesture to show he wanted to go for the win. He later went over to congratulate his countryman for his 22nd strike of the season.
Unexpected tactics
Xavi had selected centre-back Ronald Araujo to start at left-back to cope with Rashford - only for Erik ten Hag to play him as number nine. Wout Weghorst was dropped into the number 10 role while Sancho was initially put on the left.
He swapped with Bruno Fernandes on the opposite flank on occasions in a system not seen under Ten Hag - all the aforementioned players have played in the roles before but not necessarily while all on the pitch at the same time.
Rashford’s enigmatic reaction to Casemiro’s near-mistake
After giving the ball away for the second goal, Casemiro hit his own post on 86 minutes after the ball dropped in a sea of legs from a set-piece. The midfielder tried to get the ball from out under his feet and in the process nearly put through his own net.
Rashford looked on in horror as the ball struck the upright and thudded away as United’s lead was almost overturned.
Shaw’s goal kicks
The days of long-ball goal kicks may be dying out but it’s still usually the goalkeeper who takes the first touch during the short pass inside the box. However, multiple times during the first half, Luke Shaw - playing left-centre-back - was the one touching the ball to De Gea.
Shaw would then split wide before De Gea decided whether to indeed go long or short, thereby drawing out Barcelona's frontline and creating more space in the middle of the park.
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