(Football news) Ahead of a blockbuster clash between two European giants FC Barcelona and Manchester United at the Camp Nou, Xavi has heaped enormous praise on Erik ten Hag as well as striker Marcus Rashford ahead of the first leg Europa League play-off match. The English striker has scored 13 goals in 15 games since the World Cup, more than any other striker in Europe during that period of time.

Speaking ahead of the match, Xavi said “Ten Hag is a great coach. In my mind I believe that somehow [reversing] the situation of United was no easy task and he’s accomplishing it. They are excited again, the club, the fanbase and also the way they play does a lot. He changes things offensively, defensively, everyone’s working very well, so it’s a tough rival for us and he’s a very interesting coach. In the transition he is very, very dangerous so we need to take care of all of them but especially Rashford. He’s one of the most dangerous players now in Europe.”

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has also praised Xavi by saying “Both clubs are in the Europa League, but both clubs have the ambition to be in the Champions League. Not just to be there but to have a real impact in the Champions League, after the group stage going to the semi-finals, final, to win even. The reality is we are in the Europa League, but both clubs needed a reset and we are both going in the right direction. It’s exciting to face each other. With each test you get better.”

Speaking about Frenkie de Jong, a player who was heavily linked to Manchester United in last year’s transfer window, Ten Hag said “He’s a fantastic player playing out from the back, he always has time, it was a pleasure to work with him. Frenkie is an incredibly good player [and would be] for every club in the whole world. He has a unique quality, if you can get him in your squad your team will be stronger.”

Also read: Europa League: FC Barcelona take on Manchester United at the Camp Nou