Scholes correctly predicted two key tactical decisions from Man Utd boss Ten Hag for Barcelona clash

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has correctly predicted how Erik ten Hag will line up against Barcelona.

The Red Devils travel to the Nou Camp for the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie on Thursday in a mouth-watering contest.

Both sides are in fantastic domestic form. Barcelona sit top of La Liga, a whopping 11 points clear of bitter rivals Real Madrid. Meanwhile, United are just five points adrift of league leaders Manchester City.

Having scored 43 goals in Spain, Ten Hag will need his defence to be at their very best for the match-up, and Scholes has nailed two key defensive decisions.

Scholes predicts Man Utd defence

The former England playmaker reckoned Ten Hag would play three traditional full-backs as part of United's defensive unit.

"At right-back, I suppose it could be a game for Wan-Bissaka. For me, I'd want a proper defender and there is no doubt he is a fantastic defender, I think," Scholes told MUTV.

As for the central defenders, Paul predicted: "I think Raphael Varane will play with Luke Shaw. It's been a partnership we've seen before and Luke has been fantastic.

"I saw it as him just filling in for a couple of games but think the manager really likes him there, with his pace and composure."

Tyrell Malacia makes up the rest of the pack, with the likes of Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire resigned to the bench.

Ten Hag has also been lauded a genius for his attacking formation.

The Dutchman opted to deploy Wout Weghorst as a No.10 in behind the in-form Marcus Rashford, instead of playing him as an out-and-out striker.

Rashford has done most of his damage from the left hand side this season. However, his fine goal scoring has warranted a change in position to face Barcelona.

He is expected to challenge the pace of Marcos Alonso, who is playing at centre-back for the clash.