Manchester United will have a great chance of winning the Europa League if they get past Barcelona.
That's according to Wout Weghorst who believes Thursday's match-up would be fit for the final itself as United and Barcelona are the two biggest clubs in the world. Instead, they are facing off much earlier as they'll compete in a two-legged play-off tie to earn a spot in the last 16.
Tough competition such as Ajax, Arsenal, Juventus and Sevilla remain in the tournament but whoever emerges victorious between the two giants clubs will likely be among the favourites to lift the trophy in May. “Yeah, we have to see it as a final." Weghorst told United's in-house media.
Also read: How United should line up vs Barcelona in Europa League fixture
“Still in the competition now we are two teams that really have the chance to win the trophy. It’s quite early in the competition but like I said, we have to see it as a final but if we win this one we’ve got a good chance.”
Both sides are enjoying great seasons. Barcelona are 11 points clear at the top of La Liga while United are going strong in four different competitions, just five points behind league leaders Manchester City, despite Erik ten Hag only being in the job for a few months.
While Weghorst is excited to be playing at the Camp Nou for the first time, winning trophies is the only thing on his mind ahead of the match. He continued: “Yeah, of course it’s a great challenge for us.
“Of course the two matches with Barcelona are great, but at the end it’s about winning and it’s about the trophies. It doesn’t matter which club, or which stadium, wherever you’re going to play.
“We’re still active in four competitions and we want to keep playing in them. That’s why there’s only one thing that’s counting and that’s winning these days.
“On Thursday in the Nou Camp though, yeah that’s a big one. “You know the history a little bit and you look into it. You see a few clips coming past you but no, [they are] two really big clubs.
“For me, to be honest actually it’s the two biggest clubs in the world. It’s a great experience, and I’m really looking forward to it. It’s the first time for me personally to be in the Nou Camp, I’ve never been there.
“I’ve always said I only want to go there if I’m capable to play. Now I can play, so let’s get a win there.”
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