Fans accuse Man United vs. Barcelona of being 'rigged' after they draw each other in the Europa League

The big Europa League knockout play-off draw between Manchester United vs. Barcelona has been branded 'rigged' by furious fans online.

Man United will meet Barca in the pick of the ties, but it hasn't been well received by football fans on social media.

That's because they believe the draw was 'rigged' as they were the first two teams out of the hat.

The draw between Man United and Barca sent social media into overdrive as people online hit out at UEFA.

One Twitter user wrote: "Man United vs Barca nahhhh you can’t tell me this shit isn’t rigged."

A second tweeted: "UEFA draws are soooo rigged everyone knew it was gonna be Barca vs Man United."

A third added: "Barca vs Man United was rigged the moment Barca drew against Inter."

A fourth commented: "Barca vs Man United draw is rigged."

Another said: "UEFA already knew they might not get this kind of opportunity again in the knockout stages so they had to make a way for Barca and Man United to play each other."

Barcelona and Man United line up for a Champions League showdown. Image: Alamy

The Premier League club were open to a blockbuster clash after finishing behind Real Sociedad in Group E.

While Barca went into the Europa League play-off draw after failing to qualify for the Champions League round of 16.

Man United and Barca will face off in European competition for the first time since 2019.

Xavi called the tie against Man United 'the worst draw' they could have got.

"It is the most difficult opponent once again," he said. "But we will look forward to it. They are a historic side, they have grown a lot with Ten Hag, they have great players.

"It's the worst draw we could have got. Once again. No luck."

The first legs of the play-offs will take place on February 16, while the second legs are scheduled for February 23.