Man United end Barcelona’s European campaign

In an epic showdown at Old Trafford, Manchester United pulled off a stunning upset, knocking Barcelona out of the Europa League with a frantic 2-1 win.

The Red Devils started off on the wrong foot, with their attacking prowess blunted, and conceded a goal to Barcelona, going into halftime 1-0 down.

But they came back with a vengeance in the second half, turning the game on its head.

The tension was palpable from the start, with both sides coming out guns blazing. Barcelona had the first big chance of the game, but Bruno Fernandes missed a golden opportunity, firing straight at Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

However, Fernandes’ night took a turn for the worse when he fouled Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde in the penalty area, leading to a goal by Robert Lewandowski and giving the visitors a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute.

But the Red Devils were not deterred.

They came out roaring in the second half, with Fred inspiring the team with a well-taken equalizer just two minutes in. The atmosphere at Old Trafford was electric as United re-emerged in rip-roaring style.

The introduction of Antony for Wout Weghorst at halftime proved to be a game-changer. Antony stretched Barcelona’s defense, giving Bruno Fernandes more space to work with. And it paid off in a big way, as Fernandes was involved in both of United’s goals.

Substitute Antony delivered a killer blow through a clinical 73rd-minute finish to complete the turnaround.

Manchester United have had 19 goals scored by substitutes in all competitions this season, the most of any side in Europe’s big five leagues. And Antony’s will rank as one of the most important, coming following a crucial switch by Ten Hag at the interval.

Ten Hag’s tactical mastery was on full display, as he made a swift swap at halftime, recognizing that something wasn’t working.

He moved Fernandes to the middle, with Jadon Sancho reverting to the left and Rashford going up front to offer that threat in behind. Antony played on the right, and it worked like a charm.

The match was filled with nail-biting moments, with Marcus Rashford looking threatening whenever he had the ball. But United held on for the win, knocking out one of the biggest clubs in Europe.

United will now move on to the round of 16, where they will discover their opponents in a draw that takes place on Friday.

And with this latest impressive win, they still have a chance of winning the quadruple of the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Europa League.

For Ten Hag, this could be the start of a glorious season. He can win his first trophy at the club in his first full season in charge when his team takes on Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.