“Casemiro To Humble De Jong” – Twitter Reacts As Manchester United Draw Barcelona

FC Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong controls the ball.

Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Two of the most iconic Champions League clubs are all set to meet in the Europa League, as Manchester United have been drawn against Barcelona in the play-off round.

United’s failure to top their Europa League group and Barcelona’s frustrating performance in the Champions League group stage have set up a tie that is bound to accompany a lot of interesting narratives.

Cristiano Ronaldo, if he stays at United beyond January, will return to Camp Nou alongside former Real Madrid teammate Casemiro. Frenkie de Jong, meanwhile, will be at Old Trafford after all, but in different colours.

Erik ten Hag, who was linked with Barcelona before Xavi’s appointment due to his philosophy at Ajax, will get an opportunity to show the Catalan fans Cruyffian football that they’ve rarely witnessed under the Spaniard.

Early reactions on social media already hint at the exceptional hype and headlines this clash will generate as we move closer to the kick-off at Camp Nou in February.

https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1589602250204274689

https://twitter.com/StatmanDave/status/1589595492245282817

 

Comments from the Barca boss suggest he isn’t best pleased with the draw. The Catalan giants dropped down to Europe’s second-tier competition after facing a tough Champions League group that included Bayern and Inter.

Ten Hag, who’s yet to comment on the draw, won’t be delighted to face LaLiga leaders, especially when two extra games in the month of February could’ve been avoided with a more dominating performance against Real Sociedad.