By Victor Kanayo
Premier League giants, Manchester United, Thursday night towered high to defeat Barcelona, which ensured they are through to the last 16 of the Europa League.
The Red Devils squeezed out a 2-1 victory against Barcelona (4-3 on aggregate) at Old Trafford, during the pulsating playoff.
It was Brazil’s Antony’s last strike that proved the difference for the United in all.
The first leg of the encounter ended 2-2 at Camp Nou.
Barcelona started the second leg like a house on fire, when they went ahead, as Robert Lewandowski scored a penalty, after Bruno Fernandes fouled Alejandro Balde.
But United equalized early in the second half, as Fred finished with a low shot from Fernandes’ pass.
Super substitute Antony, scored a 73rd-minute winner with a low strike from 15 yards out to send United through.
The Erik Ten Hag side will await their last 16 opponent on Friday February 24, 2023, when the draws take place in Nyon, Switzerland.
Certainly, United will face one of the sides that won their Europa League Group.
Among them are; Fenerbahce (Turkey), Ferencvaros (Hungary), Feyenoord (Netherlands), Freiburg (Germany), Real Betis and Real Sociedad (both Spain) or Union Saint-Gilloise (Belgium).
It is a stage that teams from the same country cannot play each other in the next round so, United will avoid Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Before another Europa engagement, Manchester United will take on Newcastle in the EFL Cup final at Wembley, while Barcelona face Almeria in La Liga.
