Barcelona boss Xavi names the two reasons why Man Utd are so much better under Ten Hag this season

Manchester United are so much better under manager Erik ten Hag this season for two reasons according to FC Barcelona boss Xavi.

The Red Devils host the Catalan giants in the second leg of their Europa League play-off round on Thursday with the contest tightly poised after a 2-2 draw at Camp Nou.

United came from behind in the first leg to take a lead after an impressive spell from Marcus Rashford but an equaliser from Raphinha leaves everything to play for at Old Trafford.

It's a tie we're used to seeing in the Champions League with the two iconic Wembley finals in 2009 and 2011 both won by Barcelona living long in the memory of both fanbases.

Xavi played in those games, winning man of the match in the first and captaining Barcelona to victory in the second.

He'll be hoping his side can get one over on United once again and progress to the next round.

What did Xavi say?

The Spaniard has praised United in the lead up to both legs and recently highlighted Ten Hag's tactics and man management skills as two reasons why they are a much better team than before.

Speaking in an interview with The Times, he said: "He [Ten Hag] is very good, I like him a lot. He has built a team and is getting the best out of all his players.

"That speaks well of him. Tactically he is very good and he handles the dressing room very well.

"He is getting all the talent out of his players. You see [Jadon] Sancho, [Marcus] Rashford, the Portuguese guy [Bruno Fernandes]. And look how Fred is playing."

United held their own in the first leg and have been a force to be reckoned with so far this season under Ten Hag.

Many believe they are in a title race and their chances of winning a trophy for the first time since 2017 are looking likely.

They are the only English side to remain in four different competitions and face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday in what is a big week ahead.

If they can knock out La Liga leaders Barcelona and lift a major trophy at Wembley then momentum may see them take Arsenal and Manchester City all the way in the league.