Manchester United beats Barcelona 2-1 to advance in Europa League

With a sweeping first-time shot, Antony fired Manchester United to a rousing 2-1 win over Barcelona. The comeback victory at Old Trafford sent United into the Europa League round of 16 and kept manager Erik ten Hag’s four-pronged trophy hunt on track.

Antony might have silenced a few critics, too.

 “He is brave, he is fearless,” Ten Hag said of the Brazil forward who cost United $95 million for his transfer from Ajax last summer.

With United trailing 1-0 at halftime and heading out of the tournament, Antony came off the bench to turn the match around.

His 73rd-minute strike completed a come-from-behind win and provided further evidence that Ten Hag’s team is a rising force in Europe.

 “What he brought (in the) second half was what we needed, running in behind and dribbles and his goal,” Ten Hag said.

Barcelona is leading the way in Spain, eight points ahead of Champions League holder Real Madrid and seemingly on course for the domestic title.

Yet, over two games against United, the Spanish giant was shaken by the pace and pressing of Ten Hag’s players.

 “We lacked that calm and patience and started the second half really bad,” Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said. “Small details. We could have been more intense.”

Robert Lewandowski’s first-half penalty had put the visitors in front on aggregate after the thrilling 2-2 draw in the first leg at the Nou Camp last week.

But Fred’s strike in the 47th evened the match before Antony’s winner.

In front of a raucous crowd of 73,000, this was the type of encounter United fans hope will become a regular occurrence under Ten Hag, whose outstanding first season in charge is improving by the week.

 “This is another step because when you can beat Barcelona — one of the best teams in this moment in Europe — your belief can be really strong because then I think you are able to beat anyone,” Ten Hag added.

The Dutch manager is still in contention to win four trophies, with his team facing Newcastle in the League Cup final on Sunday.

United also sits third in the Premier League standings and is still in the FA Cup.

But Ten Hag’s team looked in danger of being eliminated from the Europa League as Barcelona seized the advantage at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes involved in the two key incidents in the first half.

The Portugal international could have put United in front after just three minutes when he ran through on goal, only to fire against the legs of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Having failed to take advantage at one end, Fernandes was then guilty of dragging back Alejandro Balde in the box and referee Clement Turpin pointed to the spot.

Despite getting a hand to Lewandowski’s 18th minute penalty, David de Gea could not keep the ball out.

United struggled to find their rhythm before the break, but evened the score in an explosive start to the second half when Fred fired past Ter Stegen after Fernandes’ through ball.

Old Trafford was rocking and it went wild when Antony swept his shot low into the far corner to put United in front.

 “We’ve had some good wins, Liverpool and Arsenal, but I think this over two legs — Barcelona are La Liga leaders — to beat them it’s a big win,” Ten Hag said.