Marcus Rashford's heroics were not enough for Manchester United as Raphinha's fortuitous goal rescued Barcelona a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Europa League knockout round play-off.

In-form Rashford scored his 22nd goal of the season – matching his best tally for a single campaign – to cancel out Marcos Alonso's opener in Thursday's thrilling clash at Camp Nou.

United were ahead nine minutes after falling behind thanks to more good work from Rashford, whose quick thinking from a short corner culminated in Jules Kounde putting into his own net.

But Barca, who lost influential midfielder Pedri to a first-half injury, hit back against the run of play in the 76th minute when Raphinha's cross went right the way through to keep things finely poised ahead of next week's return leg.

Barcelona will not face any sporting sanctions for payments allegedly made to a company part-owned by former referee Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, LaLiga president Javier Tebas has confirmed.

The Catalan giants have been alleged to have paid €1.4million between 2016 and 2018 to Negreira's company DASNIL 95 SL, with the claims first revealed by broadcaster SER Catalunya earlier this week.

Newspaper El Pais alleged that in return for payments, Barcelona received a written report and DVD assessment of referees prior to games.

Barcelona have strenuously denied wrongdoing, stating they previously hired "an external consultant" who provided video of youth players from other teams, together with "technical reports related to professional refereeing", which it said was "a common practice among professional football clubs".

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said on Thursday it had begun a "request for information" from Barcelona and the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA), of which Negreira was a long-time vice-president.

However, statute of limitations laws in Spain only make it possible to punish clubs within three years of any offences, meaning Barca do not face the threat of a points deduction, though criminal action has not been ruled out.

"It is evident that in 2018 and in previous years the 'compliance' regulations which monitor conflicts of interest, both for Barcelona and the referee's committee, failed," Tebas said in a video message published on social media on Thursday.

"From what we are seeing, what's been revealed in the media, they obviously didn't work as these services should never have been provided. Neither the amounts of money, nor the facts which have been unveiled.

"We must clarify from the outset, we have already looked into [sporting sanctions] – it is not possible to impose sports disciplinary sanctions because five years have already passed.

"Criminal jurisdiction is another issue. Now the prosecutor's office is investigating the events that occurred and whether there may be a possible crime of corruption between individuals in terms of match-fixing. Let's see how that investigation ends.

"At LaLiga, we are going to wait and respect the prosecutor's office investigation and once that has finished, see whether it does decide to file the appropriate complaint or lawsuit in the corresponding courts. From there, we will make decisions."

Negreira refereed in the Spanish top flight between 1977 and 1992, before taking up a job with the RFEF between 1994 and 2018.

Barca president Joan Laporta said it is "no coincidence" that the allegations have come to light with the Blaugrana sitting eight points clear at the top of LaLiga.

Barcelona will be asked for an explanation after allegations they paid €1.4million to a company part-owned by former LaLiga referee Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said on Thursday it had begun a "request for information" from Barcelona and the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA), of which Negreira was a long-time vice-president.

LaLiga giants Barca have been alleged to have paid the seven-figure sum between 2016 and 2018 to Negreira's company DASNIL 95 SL, with the claims first revealed by broadcaster SER Catalunya.

Newspaper El Pais alleged that in return for payments, Barcelona received a written report and DVD assessment of referees prior to games.

Barcelona have strenuously denied wrongdoing, stating they previously hired "an external consultant" who provided video of youth players from other teams, together with "technical reports related to professional refereeing", which it said was "a common practice among professional football clubs".

The club, whose first team sit eight points clear at the top of LaLiga, said they would take legal action "against those who are trying to tarnish the club's image with possible insinuations against its good reputation".

The RFEF wants to be sure there has been no malpractice, and in a statement said its integrity department "initiated a request for information reserved for both those responsible for the CTA and FC Barcelona".

It added: "As soon as sufficient information is available, the RFEF will adopt the corresponding measures within the framework of legality that must prevail in all these situations."

The process of gathering information began on Wednesday, and the federation statement added: "The RFEF agreed yesterday to appear in the possible judicial procedures that are followed on this matter."

It also pointed out Negreira left the CTA leadership after an overhaul that followed the May 2018 RFEF presidential elections.

Negreira held his role with the RFEF from 1994 to 2018.

The RFEF said its rules dictated that all involved with refereeing and disciplinary matters are "obliged to detail any income, regardless of what is received by the RFEF, that could be related to football for the purpose of being able to evaluate and verify the effective and real absence of conflicts of interest".

Amid the controversy, Barcelona host Manchester United on Thursday evening in the first leg of their Europa League play-off.

Neymar is contracted with Paris Saint-Germain until 2025 but the French champions have reportedly transfer listed him.

The Brazilian forward is on a hefty wage, believed to be around €36 million per year.

Neymar has netted 12 goals in 19 Ligue 1 games this season, adding another five goals in nine appearances in other competitions.

TOP STORY – MEETING HELD AS CHELSEA'S NEYMAR INTEREST DEVELOPS

Le Parisien reports Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has met with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi about a transfer for Neymar.

The report claims the meeting was held in Paris, discussing the conditions around a potential transfer in the next transfer window.

It is claimed that a fee of around €60 million (£53m) has been discussed, although Neymar's significant wages may be a stumbling block to overcome.

ROUND-UP

– Inter defender Denzel Dumfries is set to be the subject of off-season bids from both Arsenal and Manchester United, claims Fichajes. The Premier League duo both see an opportunity to sign the Dutchman below market value.

– Fabrizio Romano reports Barcelona have agreed to sign Mexican right-back Julian Araujo from MLS club LA Galaxy. The deal is worth €4 million, with a contract to be signed up until 2026.

– Sport Bild claims Bayern Munich are monitoring the status of Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, with consideration being put to a bid prior to the next transfer window. Arsenal are also keep tabs on Rashford's situation, according to Football Insider.

– Bild also reports Bayern are still keen on Tottenham forward Harry Kane but will not be drawn into a bidding war for his services, with Manchester United in the hunt too.

– Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants the club to sign Real Sociedad's 24-year-old midfielder Martin Zubimendi, reports Sport.

– Liverpool have held preliminary talks for Torino defender Perr Schuurs, claims Tuttosport.

Eduardo Camavinga says "nothing is impossible" as Real Madrid vow to fight for the LaLiga title after Wednesday's 4-0 win over Elche closed the gap to eight points at the top.

Second-placed Madrid trail Barcelona with 17 games to play, having dropped points in four of their previous nine league games while Barcelona have gone on a six-game winning run.

The Blaugrana have not lost in the league since Los Blancos triumphed 3-1 in the Clasico on October 16, opening up a sizable lead at the summit in the meantime.

"Nothing is impossible at this club," Camavinga told reporters. "We saw that last year with the Champions League, we're going to fight to the end to win LaLiga."

Madrid's victory, achieved after a Karim Benzema first-half double along with goals from Marco Asensio and Luka Modric, comes after they lifted the Club World Cup to shake off their unconvincing league form.

"I would like to thank the fans for their support and we're happy with the win," Camavinga added. "The team is in good shape and we're going to keep going.

"This is a difficult month but we're going to give it all we have."

Dani Ceballas, who started and was replaced by Modric in the 68th minute in midfield, said the eight-gap were surmountable.

"It was important to win to match Barcelona's good run," Ceballos said. "Eight points are not insurmountable and this team deserves to fight until the end and that's what we're going to do until the last game."

Vice-captain Nacho added that the win over Elche offered a timely confidence boost.

"A clean sheet and a game full of goals. Couldn't ask for any more," he said. "The team put in a complete performance from the off, despite Elche's current form.

"We needed to take the points to stay in the chase in LaLiga. These three points mean we're still right in the fight."

Xavi warned Barcelona they must deal with "one of the most dangerous players in Europe" in Marcus Rashford when they host Manchester United on Thursday.

The two European heavyweights will face off in the Europa League at Camp Nou in the first leg as the pair bid for a place in the last 16.

Runaway LaLiga leaders Barca have been in fine form, winning 11 straight games in all competitions since the start of 2023 ahead of the high-profile clash in UEFA's secondary club competition.

But the Blaugrana will have to deal with the in-form Rashford, who has scored 13 times in 15 games since the World Cup, and Xavi acknowledged the danger the England international will pose.

"In the transition he is very, very dangerous, so we need to take care of all of them but especially Rashford," the Barca coach said on Wednesday at his pre-match press conference.

"He's one of the most dangerous players now in Europe."

While Barca will be tasked with coping against the resurgent Rashford, United will get a taste of what could have had when they face Frenkie de Jong.

Erik ten Hag's side tried and failed to sign the Netherlands international in the transfer window ahead of the 2022-23 season, with the Dutchman subsequently emerging as a key cog in Xavi's midfield.

"Frenkie is an incredible player and for every club in the whole world he will strengthen the squad because he has a unique quality," said Ten Hag, who managed De Jong during his time as Ajax coach.

"If you can get him in the squad your team will be stronger. In Spain, he became even better.

"He's a fantastic player, plays out from the back, he always has time and it was a pleasure to work with him."

Erik ten Hag believes the fact Manchester United and Barcelona are meeting in the Europa League is proof both clubs "needed a reset".

The Red Devils and Barca have won eight European Cups between them – three for United and five for the Catalan giants – but are currently battling it out in UEFA's secondary competition.

Both sides have taken big strides forward this season, though, with the Blaugrana top of LaLiga under Xavi and United third in the Premier League with an EFL Cup final on the horizon.

United travel to Camp Nou for the first leg of their play-off tie on Thursday, and Ten Hag says United and Barca must accept their current predicament.

"I think both clubs have the ambition to be in the Champions League and to have an impact in it," he said at Wednesday's pre-match press conference. 

"To make the semi-finals and even win it, but the reality is we're in the Europa League, which shows both clubs needed a reset. 

"I think it's exciting to face each other tomorrow night because it will help both clubs. With such tests, you get better."

United have won 12 of their 15 matches since the World Cup break, losing just one of those, while Barca have won 11 games in a row.

Xavi's side have already lifted the Supercopa de Espana this year and are 11 points clear of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga.

"It's clear when you see the stats of Barcelona, it's impressive," Ten Hag said. "They defend well, but I think their biggest skill is they have so much possession.

"Barca is a difficult club to manage, but they are playing their best football for several years. You can see [Johan] Cruyff's influence here."

United have lost their past four meetings with Barcelona – not since losing five in a row against Liverpool between 2000 and 2002 have they been on a worse run against a club.

The Red Devils travel to Catalonia without injured trio Antony, Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay, while Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are long-term absentees.

Marcel Sabitzer and Lisandro Martinez are suspended, meanwhile, meaning Luke Shaw may be asked to play at centre-back once again.

"We have many options I think to sort it out," Ten Hag said of Martinez's absence. "We can use Luke as a full-back and centre-back. 

"We saw at the weekend [against Leeds United] he did both. We can choose by game what we prefer."

Midfield enforcer Casemiro will be available, having been banned for their past two games.

Versatile defender Shaw says United missed the Brazil international in their back-to-back league meetings with Leeds, which they drew 2-2 and won 2-0.

"I think it's obvious to see how important he is to the team," Shaw said. "For us as defenders, it gives us a feeling of security. He loves to win the ball back and tackle. 

"We joke he likes to give the ball away, so he can win it back. I'm very happy to have him back tomorrow night because he's been a big miss for us."

Xavi never doubted Frenkie de Jong's commitment to Barcelona amid speculation linking the midfielder with a move to Manchester United last year.

United identified De Jong, who came through at Ajax under Erik ten Hag, as a priority target ahead of their new manager's first season in charge.

A move never materialised, with United instead buying Casemiro from Real Madrid.

Casemiro has gone on to solidify himself as one of the most impressive midfielders in the Premier League, but ahead of Thursday's Europa League encounter between United and Barca, Xavi said De Jong never wanted to leave the Blaugrana.

"I think he was really clear to me: he wanted to stay with us. So there was no doubt," Xavi said at a press conference.

"Now he's our player, I’m really happy and satisfied with his performances, his leadership. He's in a very good moment, like all the team.

"I think Frenkie is enjoying on the pitch and this is the most important thing."

De Jong has played 26 games for Barca this season, starting 20 and scoring twice.

Xavi's version of events tallies with reports from the time that suggested Barca were attempting to push the midfielder towards a transfer, rather than the other way around, in order to ease their financial issues.

Thursday's encounter with United at Camp Nou has been overshadowed by allegations of Barca having paid €1.4million to a company part-owned by former LaLiga referee Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira between 2016 and 2018.

Barca president Joan Laporta vowed to "defend the honour and interests of Barcelona", saying it was "no coincidence" the allegations had come out with the Blaugrana sitting 11 points clear of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) have distanced themselves from former LaLiga referee Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira in the wake of allegations involving Barcelona.

LaLiga giants Barca are alleged to have paid €1.4million to a company part-owned by Negreira between 2016 and 2018.

Negreira, who was the vice president of the CTA, held his role with the RFEF from 1994 to 2018. It is alleged Barca wanted to ensure "that there would be complete neutrality" in refereeing decisions affecting the club.

Barca responded with a statement on Wednesday saying they had hired the services of an external consultant that supplied the club's technical secretaries with reports in video format of youth players from other clubs in Spain.

The Blaugrana added that "the relationship with that supplier extended to technical reports related to professional refereeing in order to complement the information requested by the first and second team coaching staff. This a common practice among professional football clubs."

Barca revealed they would be taking legal action against "those who are trying to tarnish the club's image with possible insinuations against its good reputation that could be caused by the release of such information."

However, the RFEF issued a statement distancing itself and the CTA from any links with Negreira since he left his role five years ago, and vowed to support any investigation into the matter.

"The CTA wants to make it clear that Mr Enriquez Negreira is not part of any federative structure since the change of government carried out after the 2018 elections," a statement issued on RFEF's official website read.

"The CTA regrets the behaviours that may be likely to violate the ethics of the establishment. No active arbitrator or member of the CTA bodies may carry out any work that is likely to enter into a conflict of interest. 

"The CTA makes itself available to offer its maximum collaboration in any type of information that this committee can provide."

Barca president Joan Laporta said it was "no coincidence" that the allegations had come to light with the Blaugrana sitting 11 points clear at the top of LaLiga.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta thinks it is "no coincidence" allegations that the club made large payments to a former vice-president of Spain's Technical Committee of Referees have been made now.

Radio station Ser Catalunya on Wednesday claimed Barca paid €1.4million to a company part-owned by Jose María Enriquez Negreira between 2016 and 2018.

Former LaLiga referee Negreira held his role with the Royal Spanish Football Federation from 1994 to 2018.

It is alleged Barca wanted to ensure "that there would be complete neutrality" in refereeing decisions affecting the Catalan club.

Barca responded with a statement on Wednesday saying they had hired the services of an external consultant that supplied the club's technical secretaries with reports in video format of youth players from other clubs in Spain.

The Blaugrana added that "the relationship with that supplier extended to technical reports related to professional refereeing in order to complement the information requested by the first and second team coaching staff. This a common practice among professional football clubs."

Barca revealed they would be taking legal action against "those who are trying to tarnish the club's image with possible insinuations against its good reputation that could be caused by the release of such information."

Laporta believes it is no coincidence allegations have been aimed at the club while they are sitting pretty at the top of LaLiga and preparing to face Manchester United in a Europa League play-off on Thursday.

"It's no coincidence that this information comes out now," he said. "FC Barcelona in the past had contracted the services of an external consultant to obtain reports from players in the lower categories of Spanish football, and arbitration advice, which is a service that other Spanish clubs hire.

"The news is surprising and it is no coincidence that is has come out now. Any tendentious interpretation that insinuates things that are not will receive a proportional response from the club, we will defend the honour and interests of FC Barcelona."

Barca head coach Xavi said during a press conference: "The club has made a statement, so in line with the club, [I have] no more [to say]. They are years in which I was not in the club, but I defend it."

Xavi urged his Barcelona side to show they can compete against an elite European side when they face Manchester United in a "spectacular" tie on Thursday.

Barca and United will do battle at Camp Nou in the first leg of a blockbuster Europa League play-off, with the return fixture to come at Old Trafford a week later.

Xavi's side are unbeaten in 16 games since they were consigned to a 3-0 Champions League defeat at home to Bayern Munich on October and they have reeled off 11 consecutive victories.

The Red Devils have also been resurgent under Erik ten Hag, losing only one of their past 15 matches and sitting third in the Premier League table.

Barca failed to make it out of their Champions League group, but head coach Xavi is relishing the opportunity to show the strides they have made as they go in search of a place in the Europa League round of 16. 

He said: "Tomorrow is a great match. It's a spectacular tie. Both teams arrived at the best moment of the season. Ten Hag has changed the face of the team. It's been hard for them, but they're doing a great job.

"I expect a game with a lot of intensity and rhythm. It's Europe and we want to show that we can compete against a top-level European rival."

Xavi does not believe the Blaugrana are favourites to advance.

The former Spain international said: "A lot will be decided at Old Trafford. I see two very close matches. The pity is that we won't play the second leg at home.

"I don't think we are favourites. There are very good teams in this competition, it's a very tough competition."

Xavi added: "United is a great club. They are not in the best moment in their history, but there are players who are in a great moment. In recent weeks they have been good and it will be very hard to win the game.

"We want to show that we are at a high level and that we all work hard and are aggressive. Tomorrow is an important test to compete in Europe."

It's a clash befitting a Champions League final, yet Barcelona and Manchester United will tussle twice over the next nine days just for the right to play in the last 16 of the Europa League.

A result of United's dreadful 2021-22 season and Barca's surprising failure to get out of their Champions League group means two giants of the European game find themselves in UEFA's second-tier competition.

While that might suggest a hint of both being fallen giants, these two teams are enjoying largely promising seasons, with Thursday's first leg at Camp Nou undeniably intriguing.

Barca are on course to win LaLiga for the first time since 2019, while United have made significant strides forward following the beginning of a rebuild with new manager Erik ten Hag. A Premier League title challenge could yet come to fruition.

But the Europa League is where their attention turns now, and United's bid to reclaim the title they won in 2017 – the last trophy they lifted, in fact – has them facing arguably the toughest possible challenge straight away.

The absence of Lisandro Martinez for the first leg due to suspension will be a huge source of frustration for Ten Hag, which highlights just how effective the Argentinian has been in his first few months at the club.

United prepare to suffer

Xavi's spell in charge of Barcelona to this point has been a little difficult to draw conclusions from. That's not just what critics think; there are also many, many supporters who remain uncertain.

They routinely win games without playing particularly spectacular football, and that's essentially the crux of both sides of the debate. Some fans may not be enamoured with the brand of football, but Xavi is getting results.

Since the start of the first LaLiga matchday with Xavi at the helm, Barcelona have amassed 112 points in 47 games – Real Madrid, who've played a match less, have taken 104. That's the same Real Madrid who won a league and Champions League double last year.

Now, he has Barca well on track to win the title this season. Even if they perhaps don't have the same entertainment value as Pep Guardiola's vintage Barcelona, Xavi deserves recognition for the transformation he's overseen, part of which is shown in their work rate.

They are tireless.

Former Barca coach Quique Setien, now at Villarreal, highlighted this after his team were beaten 1-0 by them at the weekend.

"There is something that this Barca has changed a lot, which is without the ball," he said. "The data is there: Barca is the team that runs the most without the ball. Seems surprising, doesn't it? Robert Lewandowski is the first defender."

How does this translate into output? Well, their 210 high turnovers is second only to Athletic Bilbao (223) in LaLiga, while Athletic and Atletico Madrid (35 each) are the only two teams to convert such situations into shooting opportunities more often than Barca (32).

Barca's 324 pressed sequences is bettered by just Athletic (330) and Rayo Vallecano (328), though Xavi's side allow their opposition on average only 8.8 passes before a defensive action. This is a low for LaLiga.

Altogether, these metrics highlight just how hard Barca work to get the ball back when they don't have it, and as such it brings into focus the kind of defensive pressure their opponents' centre-backs are put under.

The centre-back playmaker

That is, of course, where Martinez becomes relevant. Obviously his presence would likely be felt even if Barca didn't press with such intensity, as he's arguably been United's most consistent and impressive defender this season purely from a 'putting-your-body-on-the-line-and-battling-for-the-cause' perspective.

Yet, it's his ability on the ball that makes him key for Ten Hag.

Martinez's importance to United in this respect was as evident as ever during the weekend win at Leeds United. Until his 61st-minute introduction, Ten Hag's men had struggled desperately with their hosts' intensity.

Leeds were ferocious in their pressing, and although left-back Luke Shaw generally did fine in Martinez's place at centre-back, United instantly looked like they had more time on the ball once those two were in their rightful positions.

Martinez was dropping his shoulder to evade attackers, pinging long cross-field passes out to the right. Granted, you could make the case Leeds were tiring, and that's potentially a valid argument, but Martinez's performance wasn't surprising. It's just how he's played ever since making the move from Ajax.

Although he only came on with 29 minutes left, Martinez's 35 passes was only bettered by five of his team-mates and no one on the pitch (minimum three passes) had a better completion rate (85.7 per cent).

His ability on the ball makes Martinez effective at helping United resist pressure. He has lost possession 173 times in the Premier League this season, but that is just 12.3 per cent of his total touches. Only 11 centre-backs (minimum 15 appearances) have lost the ball less frequently.

This is despite his passing being positive and forward-thinking in nature, which is evidenced by the fact only Arsenal's William Saliba (22) has initiated more shot-ending sequences than Martinez (16) in the Premier League this term.

United now go into arguably their biggest game of the season – until next week's EFL Cup final – without him, a match where his strengths will have possibly been more useful than any previous fixture.

But if there's one positive, the need to highlight his importance makes a mockery of those who rushed to write Martinez off at the start of the season.

Erling Haaland's long-term future has been a source of speculation for months and reports of a release clause in mid-2024 in his Manchester City contract have put Barcelona and Real Madrid on high alert.

The Norwegian was pursued by a host of clubs last off-season, with City winning the race ahead of Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Chelsea, Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Haaland has since scored 25 Premier League goals in 21 appearances and 31 in all competitions after joining City.

TOP STORY – HAALAND SET FOR SPANISH SWITCH NEXT YEAR

Erling Haaland has decided he wants to leave England for Spain next year when the release clause in his City contract can be activated, reports Fichajes.

The report claims Real Madrid and Barcelona are the two viable options for Haaland, who will exit City at the end of the 2023-24 season, with playing in Spain a dream for the 22-year-old.

City's potential sanctions for alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial rules have also played a part in Haaland believing mid-2024 is the right time to leave.

ROUND-UP

- Big-spending Chelsea are set to join the race to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, reports The Telegraph. Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid are already keen on the 19-year-old England international.

- Manchester Evening News claims Manchester United have "genuine interest" in a move for Roma's English striker Tammy Abraham in the next transfer window.

- Barcelona's Ansu Fati will resist overtures from Tottenham, Arsenal and Bayern Munich to remain with the Blaugrana, reports Mundo Deportivo.

- AS reports Tottenham will turn to Sevilla's Morocco international goalkeeper Yassine Bounou in their search for a long-term successor to Hugo Lloris.

- Leicester City have ramped up talks with James Maddison on a new contract amid interest from Newcastle United, Arsenal and Tottenham, claims The Telegraph.

- FotoSpor claims Turkish club Fenerbahce have reached out to Manchester United about signing Mason Greenwood, who is under club investigation despite criminal charges being dropped against him recently.

- Calciomercatoweb reports Massimiliano Allegri could leave his position as Juventus head coach to replace Roberto Mancini in Italy's top job.

Andreas Christensen warned Barcelona must be wary of the "dangerous" Marcus Rashford, hailing Erik ten Hag's work at Manchester United.

Barca host United in the first leg of the Europa League on Thursday as the two European heavyweights battle for a place in the last 16.

Ten Hag's side have won 12 out of 15 games across all competitions since the World Cup break, with a resurgent United inspired by Rashford's superb form.

The 25-year-old has scored 13 times for United since the season restarted and Christensen expects a tough test from the forward at Camp Nou.

"He is in great form at the moment. I like him a lot, I love the way he plays. He is a direct, dangerous, and powerful player," Christensen said in a video posted by Barca's social media channels.

Rashford has netted 21 goals this term and has benefitted from the coaching of Ten Hag.

The Dutchman inherited a struggling squad after Ralf Rangnick failed to transform United in his short spell following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's' dismissal last season.

United sit third in the Premier League and will face Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final as the Red Devils search for their first major silverware since the 2016-17 campaign under Jose Mourinho.

"They have great quality and the way they play is good," Christensen said of United. 

"I think Ten Hag will take them to a different level. It will be a tough game, but I think we are in a great moment. Will be a great match."

Barca lead LaLiga by 11 points, with second-placed Real Madrid having played a game fewer, and Christensen urged the Blaugrana to seize the opportunity for success at the end of the season.

"I got here seven months ago, and I think it's been great," the 26-year-old continued. "I think we are on the right track. We want to win another title this season."

Joao Felix has had a mixed start to his loan spell at Chelsea, but the Premier League club are eager to make his stay permanent.

The 23-year-old Portugal forward joined Chelsea on loan from Atletico Madrid in January, getting sent off on debut before scoring on his Premier League return against West Ham on Saturday.

Felix signed for Atletico from Benfica in 2019 on a seven-year contract for a transfer fee of €126 million and extended his deal until 2027 prior to the move to Stamford Bridge.

TOP STORY – CHELSEA WANT PERMANENT JOAO FELIX STAY

Chelsea want to make Joao Felix's stay at Stamford Bridge permanent, according to Relevo.

The Portuguese is on loan with the Blues for the rest of the season from Atletico Madrid, with Chelsea willing to pay €100 million (£88.3m) for his services.

The Spaniards were originally asking for more, believed to be around €130m-140m (£115m-£124m) but may be willing to accept a reduced fee.

Meanwhile, Christian Pulisic could be heading in the opposition direction with Atletico considering a cut-price bid for Chelsea's United States international, according to Fichajes.

ROUND-UP

- Real Madrid are monitoring Tottenham forward Richarlison and Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, reports ESPN. Los Blancos are looking for long-term replacements for 35-year-old Karim Benzema.

- Neymar's future at Paris Saint-Germain is uncertain with the French champions to place him on their transfer list in the upcoming off-season, claims Foot Mercato. PSG paid a staggering €222m for Neymar in 2017 but are set to move on.

- Chelsea's pursuit of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice could lead them to sell Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to raise funds for the deal, claims Football Insider.

- Barcelona have reached a verbal agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back Evan Ndicka for a free transfer at the end of this season, claims German journalist Christopher Michel.

- Bayern Munich want to sign Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo for a reduced fee, rather than trigger the €70 million buy option, reports 90min. The report claims a fee around €60m is more realistic.