Talking points from the Nou Camp

ANGRY ERIK

The boss is not one to let his emotions boil over but he was furious when Rashford was denied a penalty after being barged by Kounde inside the box at 2-1 to United. The Dutchman received a yellow card for his complaints, which appeared to indicate that the referee awarded a foul for a very similar challenge, by Fred, at the other end moments later. It was perhaps indicative of the stature of this contest and what it means to the manager.

WHERE DOES THIS TIE RANK?

After Raphinha’s leveller, both sides kept up the pressure and either team could have won it. Casemiro hit his own post but United continued to carry a threat. The tie conjured up memories of the two cracking 3-3 draws in the 1998/99 Champions League group stages and must rate highly in terms of all our performances in Spain. In terms of the best-ever Europa League clash, that may also be up for debate as the crowd lapped this entertainment up.

BRING ON PART TWO!

There are seven days before we do it all over again, although this time on our home patch. Remember, perhaps unfortunately, the away-goals rule is no longer in force but everyone’s appetite has been whetted for the second instalment of this contest. United’s fans will hopefully make Old Trafford as partisan and pressurising for the officials as their Barca counterparts did this evening. While the away supporters were singing of Wembley after the final whistle, it’s Leicester City up next on Sunday before we can then refocus on this European challenge.