Manchester United v Barcelona: Red Devils hold aces in Old Trafford return
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Europa League: Manchester United v Barcelona betting tips and odds
The atmosphere at Old Trafford should be electric on Thursday when Manchester United face Barcelona for a place in the last 16 of the Europa League.
The teams shared a thrilling 2-2 draw in the first leg at Camp Nou last week which saw United fall behind early in the second half only for Marcus Rashford to inspire a comeback before Raphinha levelled with a cross which deceived David de Gea 14 minutes from time.
The hosts are the 5/4 favourites to win the return inside 90 minutes, but here are a few Manchester United v Barcelona betting tips for Thursday’s game.
Both managers were aggrieved about decisions that did not go their way last week, with Erik ten Hag understandably angered that Jules Kounde was not shown a straight red card for bringing down Rashford when United led 2-1 which remarkably went unpunished.
Barcelona boss Xavi was also frustrated by some of the officiating, claiming his side should have had a late penalty for a Fred handball.
“I believe this was a clear fault and a clear penalty, the second one, so how do you want me to feel? It happened the same in Milan in the Champions League,” he said. “Today, the same again. So, what do we have to do in order to be entitled to this penalty? It has been clear, and I believe it’s been checked. For me it’s quite incredible what has happened.”
Rashford thought the result felt like a defeat and Ten Hag added: “If you face number one of Spain in an away game and you are the dominant team, you can see this as a positive. We should have won this game so we have steps to go.”
Another draw is available at 12/5 and it’s 3/1 on the same outcome with goals at both ends, but a winner is expected in what should be another end-to-end game.
Be with us on Thursday.
Enough said.#MUFC || #MondayMotivation https://t.co/eqE9MRexXR pic.twitter.com/D9qBUZqZXR
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 20, 2023
Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals can be backed at 21/20, while it’s 21/10 on at least four in the same market.
However, the visitors are without first-choice midfielders Pedri (injured) and Gavi (suspended), so the hosts to win and concede at bigger odds of 3/1 is the first of our Manchester United v Barcelona betting tips.
United have won 14 of their last 15 matches at home in all competitions this season and roared on by the home faithful, the hosts can contine that excellent run even against the Liga leaders who have triumphed in 19 of their 22 matches in La Liga, losing just once to arch rivals Real Madrid.
Although the first half finished goalless last week, an exciting opening 45 minutes is expected at Old Trafford where both teams to score before the break at 13/4 is our next selection.
United have only conceded eight times at home in the Premier League this season and just three of those goals came in the first half, but Barca are a cut above most of the teams they have faced this season and the pressure will be on both teams to start on the front foot.
IT'S MARCUS RASHFORD AGAIN! 🔥
The finish is a thing of beauty 🤌#UEL pic.twitter.com/Y2tUmaafx4
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 16, 2023
Rashford was spectacular last week, scoring a superb equaliser from a tight angle and supplying the cross which Kounde turned into his own net to put the Red Devils in front.
The 25-year-old striker has scored 16 goals in his last 17 appearances in all competitions and can be backed at 7/2 to score the opening goal or he can be backed at 21/10 to strike in a United victory.
However, Rashford to find the net at any time at 5/4 wraps up our Manchester United v Barcelona betting tips.
Match Info
Where: Old Trafford
When: 20:00, Thursday 23rd February
How to watch: BT Sport 2
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
