Man Utd starting XI vs Barcelona confirmed as Ten Hag brings in key player, defender misses out

Manchester United have confirmed their starting XI to take on Barcelona in the second leg of their Europa League play-off tie, with one significant change from the first leg lineup.

The tie is level at 2-2 between the two sides, following an entertaining draw at Camp Nou in the first leg.

It was Raphinha's goal that rescued parity for Barcelona, with Marcus Rashford and a Jules Kounde own goal having initially put United ahead from 1-0 down.

Les Cules go into the match with several availability problems, with key midfielders Pedri and Gavi both not travelling to Manchester. They are injured and suspended respectively.

And whilst Xavi had somewhat of a selection crisis to deal with in that position pre-game, Ten Hag had more choice available to him compared to the first leg.

Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer are both available following suspension, with Scott McTominay also in contention.

And Ten Hag has made some key changes to the side that drew 2-2 in Spain last Thursday.

Man Utd starting XI vs Barcelona confirmed

The United boss has elected to make one change to the side that played at Camp Nou, with Lisandro Martinez back in the starting XI after being banned for too many yellow cards in the group stage for the first leg.

🔴 MANCHESTER UNITED 🔴

Erik's Reds for tonight's second leg 👊#MUFC || #UEL

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 23, 2023

Martinez was expected to return to a strong United backline, with the Argentinian having been a key player for the Red Devils this season.

He replaces Tyrell Malacia, who on the bench at Old Trafford.

The side is otherwise unchanged from the first leg, although Antony does return to the bench.

Sabitzer, meanwhile, is also on the bench. He has been filling in for Casemiro in the Premier League due to suspension, but the Brazilian's ban not extending to European competition, he has been available for both legs, and starts at Old Trafford.

Barcelona make five changes from the first leg, with Alejandro Balde replacing Jordi Alba at left-back. Sergio Busquets and Franck Kessie come into midfield, whilst Andreas Christensen comes into the centre of defence in place of Marcos Alonso. Sergi Roberto also starts.