Barcelona v Manchester United: Xavi wary of ‘dangerous’ Marcus Rashford
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has praised Erik ten Hag for converting Manchester United and making Marcus Rashford ‘one of the most dangerous players in Europe’.
The Spanish giants host United in the first leg of the Europa League knockout stages on Thursday.
Appointed in the summer, Ten Hag has quickly made a name for himself, with the Red Devils flying high in the Premier League and also in the EFL Cup final.
“Ten Hag is a great coach,” said Xavi.
“In my mind, I kind of believe that [reversing] United’s situation wasn’t an easy task and he’s coping.
“They’re excited again, the club, the fan base and also the way they play make a big difference.
“He changes things offensively, defensively, everyone is working very well so it’s a tough rival for us and he’s a very interesting coach.”
Rashford in particular has excelled under the Dutch manager.
The forward scored his 13th goal in 15 games since the World Cup in Sunday’s 2-0 win against Leedsmore than any other player in Europe at that time.
“He’s very, very dangerous in the transition phase so we have to look after them all, but especially Rashford,” added Xavi.
“He is now one of the most dangerous players in Europe.”
“Both clubs needed a reset”
Barcelona, who will be without Sergio Busquets and Ousmane Dembele on Thursday, will be a real test for Manchester United.
They top La Liga, 11 points ahead of Real Madrid, and have won their last eight games in all competitions.
Returning Xavi’s praise, Ten Hag said the former midfielder has put Barcelona in the right direction after a much-needed ‘reset’.
“Both clubs are in the Europa League, but both clubs have ambitions to be in the Champions League,” he said.
“Not just being there, but having a real impact in the Champions League, after the group stage, into the semi-finals, into the final, to even win.
“The reality is we are in the Europa League but both clubs needed a reset and we are both going in the right direction.
“It’s exciting to face each other. You get better with every test.”
“De Jong makes your team stronger”
In the game, Manchester United meet Frenkie de Jong, who was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League club in the summer.
Ten Hag is well acquainted with the midfielder, having coached him at Ajax prior to the Netherlands international’s move to Barcelona.
“He’s a fantastic player who plays from behind, he always has time, it was a pleasure to work with him,” said Ten Hag.
“Frenkie is an incredibly good player [and would be] for every club around the world. He has a unique quality, if you can bring him into your squad your team will be stronger.”