Paul Scholes believes Manchester United are capable of defeating FC Barcelona in the Europa League round-of-16 play-off.
The Red Devils failed to qualify directly for the Europa League round-of-16 after finishing second in Group E, behind Real Sociedad. Both sides finished their group campaign with 15 points each, but the Spanish outfit edged Man Utd out to secure the first place.
The second-place finish means Manchester United have to play a two-legged play-off and win the tie to seal a place in the Europa League round-of-16. The draw for Europa League round-of-16 play-off took place on Monday, and the Red Devils have been drawn against FC Barcelona.
Barcelona are Champions League drop-outs after finishing behind Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in Group C. A third-place finish in Group C, though, earned Barca a place in the Europa League round-of-16 play-off draw.
Man Utd capable of defeating Barcelona, says Paul Scholes
Scholes had named Barcelona as the side he would love Manchester United to draw and probably the side he wants them to avoid.
Scholes had, prior to the Europa League round-of-16 play-off draw, said Manchester United are capable of defeating Barcelona.
“I would love them to draw Barcelona to get the juices flowing and get a good atmosphere. I think they are capable of beating Barcelona,” Scholes told BT Sport.
He added: “On the other hand, they are a really good team. As much as I want to play them, they are probably the team you want to avoid.”
Meanwhile, Barcelona manager Xavi has reacted to drawing Manchester United in the round-of-16 play-off. He admitted Barcelona have got the most difficult opponent.
Meanwhile, Man Utd suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa in their previous fixture in the Premier League. The Red Devils took Aston Villa on in an away fixture but found themselves trailing by two goals within the first 11 minutes.
Man Utd halved their deficit through a deflected strike from Luke Shaw from outside the box on the stroke of half-time. However, Aston Villa re-established their two-goal lead at the start of the second half, scoring their third goal of the match in the 49th minute.
Meanwhile, Barcelona sits atop the points table in La Liga. The Catalan outfit have 34 points from 13 matches in the Spanish top flight and they have a two-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid.
