Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has lavished praise on his team for their performance in Thursday evening's Europa League contest with Barcelona.
Marcos Alonso sent Xavi's side ahead in the first leg of the knockout round playoff, but Man United led 2-1 just before the hour, with Marcus Rashford registering before Jules Kounde turned into the back of his own net.
The Red Devils could not hold onto their lead at Camp Nou, though, with Barcelona levelling the scores at 2-2 in the 76th minute through Raphinha.
Ten Hag has said that his side "dictated the game" against the La Liga leaders, while he branded the contest a 'Champions League-level fixture'.
© Reuters
"I think we dictated the game. Apart from maybe 15 minutes of the first half, we had some difficulties, but for the rest, we dictated the game and we outplayed [them], so many chances, so I was a little bit disappointed that in half-time it was 0-0 because we should have scored," Ten Hag told reporters.
"The opportunities they had, we created by ourselves. But I think it was a great game, two attacking teams, I think it was really Champions League [level] and even more than that.
"So I really enjoyed the game a lot. In the end, 2-2, and we have to finish it at Old Trafford."
Ten Hag was also full of praise for Rashford, as the England international scored his 22nd goal of the campaign before providing the cross that Kounde turned into the back of his own net.
However, the Dutchman insisted that the Red Devils have other threats in their side.
© Reuters
"He is so unstoppable at this moment, such a high belief for scoring goals, which we are happy with of course. But credit to the team as they get him every time in the right position," the Dutchman added.
"As I said before, we have other players who can score – Bruno [Fernandes], Jadon [Sancho] can score as well. Wout [Weghorst], of course, and they will score.
"In the end, it doesn't matter who scores but we have to score, as you say, in such a game when you create five, six or seven 100 per cent chances. You have to finish them more than that so it's quite clear."
Man United will be back in Premier League action on Sunday afternoon, with Leicester City the visitors to Old Trafford, before Barcelona head to Manchester next Thursday for the second leg of their Europa League affair.
Matt Law
