Barcelona boss Xavi says his side have been handed the ‘most difficult opponent’ after they were drawn against in the play-offs.
The Catalans will take on Erik ten Hag’s side in February for a spot in the last-16 of the competition after they finished third in their group stage.
The Spanairds finished behind and Inter Milan in their group, which was by far the toughest in the group stages.
And Xavi says his side have had ‘no luck’ once again with their Europa League draw as they’ve been paired with the toughest side remaining in the competition.
‘It is the most difficult opponent once again. But we will look forward to it,’ said Ten Hag.
‘They are a historic side, they have grown a lot with Ten Hag, they have great players. It’s the worst draw we could have got. Once again. No luck.’
The tie will see Frenkie de Jong come up against the side that pursued him for three months last summer.
United agreed a deal to sign the Dutchman but he was unwilling to leave the Camp Nou, not least because the club refused to confirm that they will pay him £17m in deferred wages.
The Red Devils last took on Barcelona in 2019 in the last-16 of the Champions League, when the Spaniards ran out 4-0 aggregate winners.
Barcelona beat United in two finals in 2009 and 2011, though United knocked out the Spanairds on the way to Champions League glory in 2008.
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