Erik ten Hag highlights Wout Weghorst's importance after Barcelona draw

Jacque Talbot

• 16 Feb 2023 20:25 GMT
• 3 min read

Erik ten Hag has praised Wout Weghorst for his performance in Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Barcelona.

The Red Devils came away from the first leg of their Europa League clash with the scores level, in what was a frantic game at the Nou Camp.

And the Dutchman complimented loanee Weghorst for his display against the La Liga leaders.

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When asked about the tactics set out by the coach, Ten Hag said via BT Sport: "It's not only about Wout [Weghorst], he did well in that position. It gives us a lot of variation."

Marcos Alonso gave the home side the lead with a header before Marcus Rashford equalised in the second-half. Man Utd then went ahead after Jules Kounde put the ball into his own net - but they were snubbed of the win after Raphinha’s whipped cross from deep made its way through a string of players and into the back of David De Gea’s net.

Despite not winning the match, Ten Hag appeared pleased with the attitude of his players.

He [Rashford] is in a great form, but the whole team done well. It was a great team performance. I think it was a great game. We have to finish it at Old Trafford."

Shaw the centre-back

The Dutchman has also started Aaron Wan-Bissaka instead of Diogo Dalot for the game following his impressive form during the winter period. The wingback made some decent tackles and provided good attacking options for Man Utd in the final third, though he was caught out on a couple of occasions by Barcelona in near his own box.

Luke Shaw partnered with Raphael Varane in central defence, the same position he was placed in Man Utd’s win over Leeds.

Ten Hag spoke before the match against Barcelona about putting Shaw there once again.

"Yeah, he [Shaw] is [impressive], but especially I think for this game, like against City, so in certain roles, he fits very good at centre-back because it allows the full-back to get high and he can defend very good in the left wide area," he told MUTV.

"The experience that he [Casemiro] brings to this squad with Rapha [Varane] is huge. Everyone can learn from it, but I also think you feel more secure when they're in your side. He [Sancho] can play between the lines and he's capable to give a good ball."