Barcelona boss Xavi has said that Manchester United have become "one of the best teams in Europe" this season under the management of Erik ten Hag.
The Red Devils have largely struggled since the departure of legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, but there have been signs of progress this season under Ten Hag.
The 20-time English champions are still competing in four competitions, including the EFL Cup, where they will take on Newcastle United in the final next weekend.
Man United are also third in the Premier League table and present in the fifth round of the FA Cup, while they are bidding to overcome Barcelona to reach the knockout round of the Europa League.
The English outfit held Barcelona to a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Europa League knockout round playoff on Thursday, and Xavi was full of praise for the visitors to Camp Nou after the match.
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"United are one of the best teams in Europe," Xavi told reporters at his press conference. "As a block, as a team, they work together. They are properly coached by a good coach and we competed against them, with a great attitude at the same intensity, equalling [them] in many ways.
"I like the rush in the end because, in the past, we would go down mentally when behind. The stakes will be high at Old Trafford but I'm proud we gave our all today.
"They are amazing in transition so we wanted to avoid transitions by putting pressure on. We made it sometimes but they are good players - Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes is very good with long-distance passes. I think they are high-level players and we have played against a major team.
"Just respect to him [Erik ten Hag] but we also generated many opportunities. They have to believe this as it was a very well matched game, a very equal game. I have a bittersweet feeling as we could have won against this great team and scored many goals as well."
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Barcelona will be without the services of key midfield duo Pedri and Gavi for next week's second leg at Old Trafford, as the former picked up a hamstring injury in the first leg, while the latter is suspended.
However, Sergio Busquets has been pencilled in for a return against Cadiz on Sunday night, which would put the experienced midfielder, who has been out with an ankle issue, in a strong position to start next week.
Barcelona took the lead on Thursday through Marcos Alonso, who headed home at the far post after escaping the attentions of Tyrell Malacia and Fred.
Man United then turned the match around to lead 2-1, with Rashford scoring in the 52nd minute before an own goal from Jules Kounde sent the visitors ahead.
However, Barcelona answered back in the 76th minute, as Raphinha's whipped cross found a route into the bottom corner to leave the tie delicately poised ahead of next week's clash at Old Trafford.
Matt Law
