Man Utd and Barcelona line-ups from last meeting show how much has changed

It's official - two of the European Super League's finest will meet in this season's Europa League, as Manchester United have drawn Barcelona in a mouth-watering play-off.

Erik ten Hag's side were pitted against the Spanish giants in Monday's draw after failing to win their Europa League group ahead of Real Sociedad. That means they must win in the play-off round to join Arsenal in the last 16.

Barcelona, meanwhile, slipped into Europe's secondary competition after finishing third in their Champions League group. Looking at their respective squads, it's clear to see both of them have changed significantly since their last European meeting in April 2019.

The two teams have both lost several high-profile players since that Champions League quarter-final, which finished 4-0 to Barcelona on aggregate. United have said goodbye to the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard and Alexis Sanchez.

Those players have been replaced by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen. Some critics may argue that United have actually improved, but it's clear that Ten Hag is still trying to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title.

While it's debatable whether United are stronger, Barcelona's decline is obvious. Gerard Pique, Ivan Rakitic, Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho and the great Lionel Messi have all left the Camp Nou in recent years - causing a decline in their fortunes.

Do you think Manchester United have improved since April 2019? Let us know in the comments below!

Barcelona haven't won the LaLiga title since the 2018/19 campaign and have lifted just one trophy in the last three seasons - the Copa del Rey in May 2021. That's still one more trophy than United, mind you, as the Red Devils haven't tasted silverware since May 2017.

Barcelona have made a number of big-name signings in recent years to replace the likes of Messi. These include Robert Lewandowski, Memphis Depay, Ferran Torres, Jules Kounde and Franck Kessie. They've also brought through the likes of Pedri, Gavi and Ansu Fati.

Both United and Barcelona will see the Europa League as a great opportunity to win silverware this season. The winners of this tie will be viewed as one of the favourites to lift the trophy come May. Roma, Sevilla, Ajax and Juventus are also in contention.

Manchester United line-up vs Barcelona in April 2019: David de Gea, Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw, Ashley Young, Scott McTominay, Fred, Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford, Romelu Lukaku.

Manchester United line-up vs Aston Villa in November 2022: David de Gea, Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Marcus Rashford, Donny van de Beek, Alejandro Garnacho, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Barcelona line-up vs Manchester United in April 2019: Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Nelson Semedo, Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet, Jordi Alba, Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Arthur Melo, Lionel Messi, Luisa Suarez, Philippe Coutinho.

Barcelona line-up vs Almeria in November 2022: Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Alejandro Balde, Gerard Pique (now retired), Marcos Alonso, Jordi Alba, Pedri, Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong, Ousmane Dembele, Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres.

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