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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Liam Wood

Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets shares fury after Europa League defeat to Manchester United

Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets has detailed his fury after Manchester United produced a memorable win over the Catalan giants to eliminate them from European competition this season.

After an enthralling first leg between the sides had finished all-square, United came from behind to beat their opponents at Old Trafford on Thursday night. Goals from Fred and Antony did the damage after Poland captain Robert Lewandowski (pen) had seemingly set Barcelona on their way.

However, the La Liga side had little to celebrate following that opener from the former Bayern Munich man as Erik ten Hag and his rejuvenated squad rubber-stamped Europa League progression instead. Next up for United in that regard is a two-legged meeting with another Spanish opponent - Real Betis - next month.

READ MORE: Every word from press conference

After failing to make it through their Champions League group this season, Barcelona were effectively handed another chance via the Europa League play-offs. However, it was United who kept their quadruple dream alive with a rousing second-half comeback in the return leg.

Yet another inspiring 90 minutes brought celebration for Ten Hag and his players, not to mention those in the stands, but the Catalans were left "angry" following their second European exit this season - as Busquets made clear during his post-match interview. Speaking to SPORT, he said: "We are angry."

Busquets, who missed the first leg through injury before returning to lead Barcelona on Thursday night, added: "We wanted to continue [in the Europa League], but the team is aware of where it comes from and the process that must be carried out."

Busquets, 34, has spent his entire career with Barcelona since progressing through the famed La Masia system. He has totted-up 708 games for the club in all competitions, winning countless major honours.

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