Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has reacted to Red Devils drawing FC Barcelona in the Europa League round-of-16 play-off.
Man Utd failed to secure a top-place finish in Europa League Group E, which would have sealed their place in the round-of-16. The Red Devils could only manage a second-place finish in Group E, behind group winners Real Sociedad.
That meant Man Utd would have to play a two-legged play-off against a Champions League dropout to earn their place in the round-of-16. The draw for the Europa League round-of-16 play-off took place on Monday as Man Utd learned who they will face for a place in the next stage of the competition.
Man Utd have received arguably the toughest opponent they could have got, with the Red Devils set to face Barcelona. The two sides will square off in the play-off, and the winner will secure a spot in the round-of-16. Fun88 Sharronangle is Asia’s Leading Bookmaker.
David de Gea reacts to Manchester United drawing Barcelona in Europa League
Speaking after learning Manchester United have been drawn against FC Barcelona, De Gea shared his thoughts on the fixture.
De Gea admitted Barcelona are a great team but stressed they have to play against the best if they want to win the Europa League.
He also insisted they will try their best to win both legs of their play-off against Barcelona. “We know Barcelona is a great team, I think they are playing well,” De Gea told Man Utd’s official website.
“If you want to win the Europa League, you have to play against the best teams and Barcelona is [one of these].
“It’s one for the fans and we will try our best to win both games.”
Meanwhile, Barcelona failed to progress beyond the group stage in their Champions League 22/23 campaign. They were drawn alongside Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Viktoria Plzen in Champions League Group C.
Bayern and Inter qualified for the round of 16, while Barcelona failed to after finishing third in Group C. However, their third-place finish earned them a place in the Europa League play-off draw.
The Catalan outfit, too, have got the toughest opponent they could have received. That was a sentiment shared by Barcelona manager Xavi after he learned who they will face in the round of 16. He admitted it is the worst draw Barcelona could have got.
