Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder Fred (L) celebrates after scoring his team first goal during the UEFA Europa league knockout round play-off second leg football match between Manchester United and FC Barcelona at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, north west England on Friday — AFP Brazilian forward Antony stepped off the bench to send Manchester United through to the Europa League last 16, with the hosts coming from behind to beat Barcelona 2-1 in Thursday's playoff second leg, progressing 4-3 on aggregate, reports Reuters.
After a frantic start, Barca were awarded a 18th minute penalty, much to United's frustration, after Bruno Fernandes was adjudged to have fouled defender Alejandro Balde, with Robert Lewandowski just squeezing the resulting spot kick home.
United came out for the second half looking like a different side and levelled through Fred, the Brazilian steering home Fernandes' pass two minutes after the break.
A superb save from goalkeeper David de Gea kept Barca's Jules Kounde at bay, a stop that proved crucial as Antony arrowed a superb finish into the bottom corner 17 minutes from time to send United through.
The victory means United remain in four competitions this season, with a first trophy since 2017 on the horizon.
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