Barcelona star Ansu Fati makes ‘difficult’ admission ahead of Man Utd Europa League clash

Barcelona star Ansu Fati has been speaking ahead of his side’s clash with Manchester United on Thursday night.

The two European giants will go head-to-head at Old Trafford on Thursday to decide who will progress to the Europa League knockout stage. In the first leg, at Camp Nou last Thursday, the two sides produced an entertaining 2-2 draw, with United coming from behind to lead ahead of Raphinha netting an equaliser.

With no away goals, United and Barca go into the second leg where they started the first - level - and Erik ten Hag’s men have the advantage of playing at home. But Barca have been in the better form this season, and their win over Cadiz over the weekend made it 11 wins from their last 12 games across all competitions, a run that has allowed them to take control of top spot in La Liga.

Ahead of Thursday’s clash, Barca star Fati has been speaking, and it’s clear he and his teammates are taking United very seriously ahead of the second leg.

“We are Barcelona and we shouldn’t have any fear,” he told Sport. “The team (United) are very good, they have been on a very good run, and we know it will be difficult, but we are going there with the idea of progressing to the next round and continuing with our good dynamic.”

Fati cut a frustrated figure during Barcelona’s win over Cadiz on the weekend, and asked about that frustration, he added: “Yesterday I was angry because at times, I think that the fans in Camp Nou help me a lot and I didn’t repay them. I am very grateful and happy to be at the club I love and the club where I grew up.”

Fati will be pushing for a starting spot ahead of Thursday night, going up against Gavi and Raphinha for a place in the front three.