Barcelona's weak link against Man Utd admits he needs help against Marcus Rashford

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has admitted his side need to defend collectively against Manchester United star Marcus Rashford when the two sides face off at Old Trafford this evening.

Kounde had a mixed evening during the first leg of the Europa League play-off round tie, playing at right-back for Xavi's side.

He came up against Rashford, playing on the left side of attack, on top form, and the Frenchman scored an own goal to give United a 2-1 lead at Camp Nou.

But he did redeem himself in setting up Raphinha's equaliser, meaning the scores are level going into tonight's clash.

However, that wasn't enough to stop Kounde from receiving Barcelona's lowest individual match rating by WhoScored for the first leg, with Kounde being given a 5.9 rating (via United in Focus).

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, meanwhile, opined that it would be 'hard not to improve' on the 23-year-old's performance.

Now, the Frenchman has opened up on his expectations for the second leg.

Kounde talks Rashford ahead of Man Utd clash

Speaking in the pre-match press conference, Kounde has called for a collective effort when it comes to defending against United's top scorer this season.

He explained: "He's very fast and he's very difficult to stop. We must defend him collectively."

Kounde found it a challenge to stop Rashford at Camp Nou, and was involved in an incident where the United star went to ground under his contact outside the penalty area.

But the referee, Maurizio Mariani, elected not to award a foul. That incensed United boss Erik ten Hag, who was shown a yellow card for his protestations.

Speaking about the incident, the Barca defender said (quotes via Manchester Evening News): "I think it was a 50/50. There was contact but I think very light.

"The referee decided that it was not a red card, so I don't feel lucky. I feel it was a decision from the referee. It's true I could have been sent off, but it was a 50/50."

Rashford, meanwhile, disagreed with the decision, describing the incident as ‘100% a foul’ in a post-match interview with BT Sport.

Both players will be hoping they get the upper hand over the other at Old Trafford tonight, with the winner of the match going through to the Europa League round of 16 stage.

Topics: Manchester United, Marcus Rashford, Jules Kounde, Barcelona, Europa League, Erik Ten Hag

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.