There are few games in football that are as big as Manchester United vs Barcelona. Despite taking place in the Europa League, this is nonetheless a highly-anticipated clash between two giants of the beautiful game.

But who will United be able to call upon for this clash of the titans? The Red Devils have several players out, though a few could return from injury and Erik ten Hag will have one eye on the EFL Cup final vs Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side.

United will be without Donny Van De Beek and Christian Eriksen for the game against Barca, as they both continue recovering from their respective long-term injuries.

Additionally, Antony, Harry Maguire and Anthony Martial are all doubts for the Barcelona game. Of these three, Antony and Maguire are more likely to play than Martial – however, currently, it looks like all three will be absent with a return to the squad for the Newcastle match more likely. The good news is standout United midfielder Casemiro will be available for Erik ten Hag.

Manchester United needed to get through a group consisting of them, Real Sociedad, Omonoia FC and Sheriff Tiraspol. Barcelona, meanwhile, got this far by finishing third in their respective Champions League group.

The two teams have not met in a competitive fixture since 2019, during the quarter finals of the Champions League. Barcelona won 4-0 over two legs, easily dispatching with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team before going on to lose to Liverpool who eventually beat Spurs in the final.

With the tie locked at 2-2 after the first leg at the Spotify Camp Nou stadium last Thursday, this Thursday’s game at Old Trafford will be a football fans dream and a win for United would set the table nicely ahead of the League Cup final vs Newcastle United at Wembley on Sunday.