Manchester United reach the Europa League last 16 on Thursday evening after they edged out Barcelona 2-1 at Old Trafford following a 4-3 aggregate victory.

United defeated Barcelona at Old Trafford to advance 4-3 on aggregate following a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their play-off in Spain. Antony scored the game-winning goal.

Robert Lewandowski’s early penalty gave Barca the perfect start, but the step up to the European stage proved too much for the La Liga leaders as Fred equalized early in the second half.

Then, Antony delivered his greatest performance since moving to Manchester from Ajax.

United are riding the crest of a wave in Erik ten Hag’s first season as manager, as the Red Devils continue their pursuit of four trophies.

United could end a six-year trophy drought if they defeat Newcastle in Sunday’s League Cup final.

But they spared no effort to secure their biggest European scalp since eliminating Paris Saint-Germain from the Champions League quarterfinals in 2019.

United has now gone 18 games without a loss at Old Trafford, dating back to September.

“Very good to hear my name from the fans but it was a good game we played today,” said Fred.

“We need to keep going. We have a final on Sunday and now we have to change our mind to go to the final.”

Photo by EPA/Adam Vaughan