Erik ten Hag claims Man Utd can ‘beat anyone’ after Barcelona victory & praises ‘mosquito’-like player

Erik ten Hag has said Manchester United’s win over Barcelona on Thursday night proves the Red Devils can ‘beat anyone’.

United came from a goal behind at Old Trafford to earn a 2-1 victory over Xavi’s men on the night and secured a 4-3 aggregate win over two legs. Goals from Antony and Fred saw United into the last-16 of the Europa League, with the draw for the next round to take place on Friday.

But the win over the side top of La Liga emphasises how much this United team have developed in recent months, claimed Ten Hag after the match. “You need a strategy to build that [belief], but also you need results to get that strong belief in,” he said in his post-match press conference.

“I think this is another step because when you can beat Barcelona, one of the best teams in this moment in Europe, then your belief can be really strong. Then I think you are able to beat anyone.

“It was a magnificent night,” he added. “I think it is brilliant when you can beat Barcelona, eight points ahead of Real Madrid in La Liga, and we have seen in this week Real Madrid playing. We did a magnificent performance and we have to take it with us in the season, take it with us in the belief that we can win big games.”

It was a fantastic second-half display on Thursday that was imbued with determination, confidence and had a battling quality that was sorely lacking at United last season. Therefore, it was no suprise that Ten Hag praised the character of his players after the match.

“I think we have great personalities in this team, starting with David [de Gea], Rapha [Varane], Licha [Martinez], Casemiro, Bruno [Fernandes], such winning types. We have even more.

“Everyone has such a strong belief in this team and the fight in this team. You can see it with the subs, they are coming on and bringing energy and quality and a different dynamic in games. I think all the subs, not only in this game, but in many games before, did brilliant.”

Ten Hag also praised Fred’s display in the second period and highlighted the vital role he played in keeping one of Barcelona’s key men quiet. “He had an important role already last week in Barcelona, and this week the same, first he had to stop Frenkie de Jong playing,” said the United boss.