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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith

'Why?' - Manchester United fans cannot believe Erik ten Hag decision vs Barcelona

Erik ten Hag has named his starting line-up for the first leg of Manchester United's Europa League knockout round play-off tie with Barcelona at the Nou Camp this evening, making a handful of changes.

United, who have not faced the Spanish heavyweights since April 2019, will be going in search of a second successive victory following Sunday's 2-0 win over Leeds United at Elland Road. Late goals from Marcus Rashford and substitute Alejandro Garnacho sealed a return to winning ways for the Reds.

It means that Ten Hag will be determined to see his side build on that victory, though he will demand a much-improved performance, as they look to get the upper hand in this two-legged tie. The Dutchman, as expected, has opted to make a few changes to the side that won at the weekend, making three in total.

READ MORE: Barcelona vs United LIVE

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane and Casemiro, who has missed the last two Premier League matches through suspension, have come into the side, meaning Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire and Marcel Sabizter have dropped out.

Meanwhile, the likes of Victor Lindelof, Kobbie Mainoo and Garnacho have been named among the substitutes. However, Lisandro Martinez, along with Sabitzer, misses out through suspension.

Having made the decision to make three changes to the side that was victorious against Leeds, Ten Hag will be hoping to see a famous victory from his side, as they look to put themselves in a strong position ahead of next Thursday's return leg at Old Trafford. It is the inclusion of January loan signing Wout Weghorst that has attracted the most attention from United's supporters in the immediate aftermath of the team news being confirmed.

Below, MEN Sport has taken a close look at what some of United's supporters have had to say in response to Ten Hag's decision to keep the Netherlands international in the starting line-up and deploy him up front:

As you can see from the messages displayed in the tweets above, Ten Hag's decision to stick with Weghorst has generated a bit of frustration. Several fans, after his recent performances in the role, wanted to see Rashford start through the middle and lead the line, offering Garnacho, potentially, the chance to come into the side and start on the left.

United starting line-up: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Shaw, Malacia; Casemiro, Fred, Fernandes; Sancho, Weghorst, Rashford.

Substitutes: Heaton, Butland, Dalot, Lindelof, Maguire, Iqbal, Mainoo, Pellistri, Elanga, Garnacho.

This evening's contest kicks off at 5:45pm and you can follow all of the action on our live matchday blog, which you can access by clicking here.

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