Second-half goals by Fred and Antony sent Manchester United through to the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 with a comeback 2-1 victory over Barcelona at Old Trafford.
Robert Lewandowski put the visitors ahead in the playoff and on course for the knockout stage before United produced a scintillating comeback after the interval.
Substitute Antony applied a clinical 73rd-minute finish to ensure his side advanced 4-3 on aggregate.
More to follow
The Sporting News followed the match live and provided live score updates and commentary.
MORE: Man United vs Barcelona prediction, odds, betting tips and best bets for Europa League second leg
Man United vs Barcelona live score
| 1H | 2H | Final | |
| Man United | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Barcelona | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Goals: Barcelona – Lewandowski (18)
Man United – Fred (47), Antony 73
Man United vs Barcelona live updates, highlights from Europa League
Full-time: Man United 2-1 Barcelona
United turn the tie around and qualify for the UEFA Europa League Round of 16! We’ll have a report and analysis at the top of this page shortly. Thanks for following our live coverage!
90+3 mins: Man United 2-1 Barcelona
Raphael Varane clears Robert Lewandowski’s effort off the line! United fans gasp – an offside flag is up, but they weren’t to know that.
89 mins: Man United 2-1 Barcelona
There will be five minutes of added time. Kounde tries to reach a cross from the right, and Fred clears inside the penalty area.
85 mins: Man United 2-1 Barcelona
Robert Lewandowski wins a free-kick for Barca in a useful central position.
83 mins: Man United 2-1 Barcelona
Diogo Dalot concedes a throw-in deep inside Barcelona territory. The visitors have around 10 minutes in which to save their European season.
80 mins: Man United 2-1 Barcelona
Alejandro Garnacho streaks past Sergio Busquets and wins a free-kick, then goes down to receive attention. Exactly what United would have wanted (the pause, not the treatment.)
77 mins: Man United 2-1 Barcelona
Barcelona are preparing Marcos Alonso, who scored in the first leg, to come on. They look out of ideas at the moment.
75 mins: Man United 2-1 Barcelona
A reminder: it’s now 4-3 on aggregate and away goals do not count.
73 mins: GOAL – Man United 2-1 Barcelona (Antony)
Glorious strike from Antony! Luke Shaw’s backheel creates havoc deep inside Barcelona territory and, as the ball rolls to the substitute on the right of the penalty area, the winger unleashes a first-time strike into the far corner of the net and past the beaten Ter Stegen!
The hosts are 17 minutes from the Round of 16!
69 mins: Man United 1-1 Barcelona
That substitution from Ten Hag looks a wise one now. Antony has given United momentum on the flank and is clearly in the mood to menace.
66 mins: Man United 1-1 Barcelona
United repel the danger from the corner, then Franck Kessie crashes in a low shot from distance that De Gea gathers.
64 mins: Man United 1-1 Barcelona
Huge save! David de Gea tips Jules Kounde’s angled close-range header over the crossbar, affording Barca a corner on the right.
63 mins: Man United 1-1 Barcelona
The stadium reverberates with anticipation as Lisandro Martinez wins possession deep in United territory and tries to release Marcus Rashford with a long through-ball. It’s a touch too long.
60 mins: Man United 1-1 Barcelona
Barcelona are having a little more joy without finding the killer final ball. Raphinha dribbles into a promising area on the right, then plays a low pass straight behind, Antony-style.
It wasn’t that bad, in fairness. The home fans didn’t miss the opportunity to greet it with a loud roar of appreciation, though.
58 mins: Man United 1-1 Barcelona
A skirmish breaks out after Fred brings down Frenkie de Jong and Bruno Fernandes smashes the ball into the floored Netherlands international.
Pretty much impossible to tell whether the United playmaker meant that, but a crowd of Barca players angrily surround him, and Fernandes’ friends rush to back him.
55 mins: Man United 1-1 Barcelona
Marcus Rashford breaks away inside the penalty area on the left and skims a low cross along the face of goal. There’s no-one there to meet it.
53 mins: Man United 1-1 Barcelona
Former England coach Howard Wilkinson and legendary United manager Sir Alex Ferguson are sitting next to each other at Old Trafford.
They’ll have admired the fire Erik ten Hag instilled in his side when they re-emerged.
50 mins: Man United 1-1 Barcelona
This must be a familiar feeling for Barcelona: they’re reeling, as they were early in the second half last week.
Marcus Rashford breaks away down the right and fires a shot wide of the far post, then wins a corner on the same side.
47 mins: GOAL – Man United 1-1 Barcelona (Fred)
United are level! What a start to the second half for the hosts! Marcus Rashford wins possession deep and gives the ball to Bruno Fernandes.
The skipper goes some way to atoning for conceding that costly penalty by slotting a marvellous pass into the feet of Fred in front of goal, who slots past Ter Stegen. Lovely goal!
Half-time: Man United 0-1 Barcelona
Erik ten Hag turns to the Ajax alumni: Antony is on for Wout Weghorst. United are also out for the second half before Barcelona. Ears ringing?
Half-time: Man United 0-1 Barcelona
Barca have scored with their only clear chance from that penalty but they’re good value for this lead with a more composed display than they produced in the first leg.
Erik ten Hag has his tactical work cut out. United are 45 minutes from exiting European competition.
45 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona
Dear oh dear. As two minutes of added time begin, David de Gea sends a dreadful clearance straight to Franck Kessie near the edge of the penalty area.
For a second it looks like all Kessie has to do is fire past the goalkeeper, but Casemiro performs heroics – first by blocking the shot, then with a tackle to all-but end the danger from the most unpromising of positions.
42 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona
Aaron Wan-Bissaka concedes a sloppy foul for a challenge on Franck Kessie in a dangerous area just outside the penalty area.
Frenkie de Jong floats a delivery in which is headed behind for a corner, and Barca do little with the chance to create danger from their left.
40 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona
Raphinha thuds another shot well wide of the target, then puffs out his cheeks. Barcelona have scored from their only attempt on target but had almost 60% of possession.
37 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona
What price a more chaotic start to the second half, as we saw in the first leg? Erik ten Hag has been animated in the United technical area and must be plotting a way to change this game.
Marcus Rashford, who has scored 16 goals in his last 17 matches for United in all competitions, has had a quiet evening so far.
34 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona
Close! Fred meets a cross inside the penalty area on the right with a volley that looks like an attempt at a cross with a suitable lack of conviction, given the dearth of options inside the box.
It floats over Ter Stegen and lands on top of his net. The Brazil international would surely have claimed that one was fully intended, had it gone in.
32 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona
You have to hand it to Barca’s social media team for having this kind of graphic pre-prepared.
Robert Lewandowski hasn’t seen much of the ball since he put them ahead, mind.
Working in the field. ???????? pic.twitter.com/fzX8FxXyVZ
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 23, 2023
29 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen punches away a cross from the right that he probably could have caught. He’s not punished for it.
28 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona
Lisandro Martinez shows he’s been putting in the hours in the gym, doing excellently to stop Franck Kessie as he charges into the penalty area from the left.
The challenge results in both players stumbling, with the more optimistic Barca fans possibly hoping for a second penalty.
25 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona
Barca boss Xavi evidently isn’t in much calmer a mood than he was during the somewhat acrimonious end to the first leg.
The referee gives him a ticking off for something he’s said on the touchline.
23 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona
Half-chance for Bruno Fernandes! The Portugal international does well to collect a ball spinning from the sky in front of goal on the right, volleying at Marc-Andre Ter Stegen from a tricky angle.
It’s an easy one for the goalkeeper to stop. United have only failed to score in three of their last 40 European matches, so there’s little need for the home fans to panic.
20 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona
It’s calmed down a little following that frantic start now, with Barca looking neater and less generous to their opponents when they have the ball than they were in the early stages.
18 mins: Man United 0-1 Barcelona
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0-1! #MUFCBarça— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 23, 2023
17 mins: GOAL – Man United 0-1 Barcelona (Robert Lewandowski pen)
Barcelona take the lead! This was almost a great save from David de Gea, who guessed the correct way following Lewandowski’s stuttered run-up and got a hand to the ball as it went to the goalkeeper’s left.
It wasn’t enough, turning the firm effort on to the post and in. Joy for the Catalans!
15 mins: Man United 0-0 Barcelona
Penalty to Barca! A VAR check takes place after Bruno Fernandes looks to have taken Alejandro Balde down with a stray hand on the edge of the penalty area after Raphael Varane heads a right-wing cross away.
Robert Lewandowski lines this up to a chorus of boos!
13 mins: Man United 0-0 Barcelona
Marcus Rashford charges into the penalty area on the left and wins United a corner on the same flank, from which they build another attack.
Jules Kounde snuffs out the danger. Barcelona have had 63% of the possession so far.
10 mins: Man United 0-0 Barcelona
Raphinha slings in a free-kick, then Lisandro Martinez wins a foul off Sergi Roberto. Robert Lewandowski is cutting an isolated figure up front for Barca at the moment.
8 mins: Man United 0-0 Barcelona
Bruno Fernandes has a chance to send in a free-kick from a useful central position outside the penalty area, failing to do much with it.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka then races down the right and sends a dangerous cross-shot out of play.
6 mins: Man United 0-0 Barcelona
Frenkie de Jong skips around with the ball inside United territory, then opts to pass the ball backwards.
Fred wins possession, accompanied by a great roar as the midfielder moves United forward. Barcelona re-gather possession. “Balde – what a good player he is,” remarks former Red Devil Robbie Savage on BT Sport.
4 mins: Man United 0-0 Barcelona
Raphinha looks up from a similar position on the right to the one from which he made it 2-2 in the first leg, then hammers a shot well wide of the far post.
Early warning signs for both sides.
3 mins: Man United 0-0 Barcelona
The first major chance goes to United! Casemiro angles a perceptive pass onto the run of Bruno Fernandes on the right, who arrows into the penalty area and sees his shot stopped by the advancing Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s foot.
Alert goalkeeping!
2 mins: Man United 0-0 Barcelona
Barca’s Jules Kounde yelps with pain after appearing to be caught late by Luke Shaw on a sideline. He’s receiving attention and returns to his feet.
1 min: Man United 0-0 Barcelona
Here we go! Barcelona launch an early attack down the right and a great roar goes up, as you might expect, when United see the danger away.
5 mins from kickoff: The teams emerge from the tunnel to a pulsating atmosphere! Erik ten Hag provides an understated clap as he makes his way along the touchline.
20 mins from kickoff: “I really think Xavi has come here to get control of the midfield,” former United midfielder Paul Scholes tells BT Sport, adding that he was surprised at United’s adventurous first-leg tactics and picking out Sergio Busquets, De Jong, Sergi Roberto and Kessie.
Robin van Persie, meanwhile, feels that the key to Barcelona’s success is finding space for De Jong.
Culers are the best fans itw#MUFCBarça pic.twitter.com/iHvX53SgFT
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 23, 2023
40 mins from kickoff: “What I like about Marcus Rashford is that you see other players getting emotional,” says former United striker Robin van Persie, speaking to BT Sport.
“He stays calm; he knows his chance will come. If you are a striker, you realise that players like Bruno Fernandes, who can play that final ball… when they get it, you’re like, ‘ah.'”
60 mins from kickoff: Team news!
Man United starting XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea (GK) – Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw – Casemiro, Fred – Bruno, Weghorst, Sancho – Rashford
Barcelona starting XI (4-3-3): Ter Stegen (GK) – Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde – De Jong, Busquets, Kessie – Raphinha, Lewandowski, Sergi Roberto
80 mins from kickoff: Don’t forget to follow our dedicated football channels on Twitter and Instagram for all the latest football updates, stats and analysis.
They’re your essential companions to the beautiful game.
???? Manchester United have lost just two of their past 11 European outings at Old Trafford (W6, D3), though interestingly both defeats during that time came against Spanish opposition!
???? Can they overcome Barcelona this evening following a 2-2 draw in the first leg?#MUNBAR pic.twitter.com/gpp5VlNZYK
— Sporting News Football Club (@sn_footballclub) February 23, 2023
100 mins from kickoff: United playmaker Bruno Fernandes has issued a stirring call to perform in matchday programme The United Review this evening.
“We are all on a journey together, moving forward game by game,” the Portugal midfielder says. “Tonight we need the fans, as well as the players, to be at the top of their game if we are to create a memorable night at Old Trafford.”
Focus levels: ????????#MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/gZuvsSpa7L
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 23, 2023
120 mins from kickoff: Good evening and welcome to The Sporting News’ coverage of a match that will be fatal to Manchester United or Barcelona’s European campaigns this season!
To say this UEFA Europa League Round of 16 playoff second leg has been teed up nicely by the first episode in Barcelona is a resounding understatement. The teams shared 36 shots at the Camp Nou, with Marcos Alonso heading the hosts ahead and Marcus Rashford replying as the game exploded into goal-laden life shortly after the second half started.
Rashford equalled his best ever tally for a season in all competitions – 22 – with that goal, then fired in a cross soon afterwards that Jules Kounde turned into his own net. Raphinha levelled 14 minutes from the end, and there was time for Casemiro to hook a clearance against his own woodwork and both entourages to become very annoyed about perceived refereeing injustices, among other dramatic incidents.
Can it be as good again tonight? We’ll find out in around two hours’ time…
With your backing, we play with 12.
Let’s do this! ????#MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/5ORNwGc2kz
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 23, 2023
Man United vs Barcelona predicted lineups
Ten Hag’s injury list is likely to remain unchanged for this game with Antony and Harry Maguire likely to sit out the game and work on their fitness ahead of the Carabao Cup final this weekend.
Lisandro Martinez missed the first leg through suspension and should start at centre-back, while Raphael Varane will likely be restored after being rested for the win over Leicester City. Casemiro is also in contention, the midfielder having also missed last Sunday’s game through suspension.
Ten Hag could choose to deploy Wout Weghorst in a deeper role as he did to some success at Camp Nou, while Jadon Sancho could push for a start following his goalscoring cameo off the bench against Leicester.
Man United starting XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea (GK) – Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw – Casemiro, Fred – Bruno, Weghorst, Sancho – Rashford
Man United subs: Heaton (GK), Dalot, Lindelof, Malacia, Fred, Pellistri, Mainoo, Garnacho, Elanga
Xavi has issues in midfield ahead of this game with key pair Pedri and Gavi absent due to injury and suspension respectively, and Ousmane Dembele still sidelined.
Captain Sergio Busquets is back in the squad and will lead the team in Manchester, with Franck Kessie and Jordi Alba also expected to start at Old Trafford.
Barcelona starting XI (4-3-3): Ter Stegen (GK) – Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde – De Jong, Busquets, Kessie – Raphinha, Lewandowski, Sergi Roberto
Barcelona subs: Tenas (GK), Roberto, Garcia, Balde, Casado, Alonso, Raphinha, Torre, Torres
What time is Man United vs Barcelona kick off?
This Europa League clash kicks off at Old Trafford on Thursday, February 23 at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across some of the major territories:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| USA | Thu, Feb. 23 | 15:00 ET |
| Canada | Thu, Feb. 23 | 15:00 ET |
| UK | Thu, Feb. 23 | 20:00 GMT |
| Australia | Fri, Feb. 24 | 07:00 AEDT |
| India | Fri, Feb. 24 | 01:30 IST |
| Hong Kong | Fri, Feb. 24 | 04:00 HKT |
| Malaysia | Fri, Feb. 24 | 04:00 MYT |
| Singapore | Fri, Feb. 24 | 04:00 SGT |
| New Zealand | Fri, Feb. 24 | 09:00 NZDT |
MORE: Have Barcelona won the Europa League? Full UEFA Cup and UEL record
Man United vs Barcelona live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch all of the action from this match in some of the major territories:
| TV channel | Streaming | |
|---|---|---|
| USA | UniMas, TUDN USA | fuboTV, Paramount+, ViX+, Univision NOW, TUDN app/site |
| Canada | — | DAZN |
| UK | BT Sport 2, BT Sport Ultimate | BT Sport app/site |
| Australia | — | Stan Sport |
| New Zealand | — | Spark Sport |
| India | — | — |
| Hong Kong | — | — |
| Malaysia | — |
beIN Sports Connect |
| Singapore | — | beIN Sports Connect |
Australia: Fans can watch every match from the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Conference League with all the action streaming ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport.
Canada: Every Champions League and Europa League match in Canada can be streamed exclusively on DAZN.
UK: The UEFA Europa League is carried by BT Sport’s TV and streaming platforms.
USA: Fans in the USA can watch the Europa League in English (CBS and Paramount+) and Spanish (Univision, TUDN, UniMas, ViX and ViX+). This match will be shown on TUDN and subscription service Paramount+ and ViX+.
When matches are televised on CBS or Univision TV channels, those same channels are streamed on fuboTV, which is available on a free trial for new users.
