Barcelona will face the best Manchester United team for many years in the second leg of their Europa League knockout round tie at Old Trafford, coach Xavi said on Wednesday.
After fighting back to earn a 2-2 draw with the Premier League side in a pulsating game at Camp Nou, Xavi believes his team will need to be at their best on Thursday to advance to the last 16.
"It will be a very difficult game, Manchester United are one of the best teams in Europe today and they're showing it every game," Xavi told a news conference.
"[Manager Erik] Ten Hag is doing a great job. They are a team that show intensity, mentality, passion, rhythm ... we will need to match them in every level, to show personality and be loyal to our style.
"Above all, we need the bring the mentality to compete in Europe. We can say that Manchester United have returned and they are playing their best football in many years. It is a good opportunity to show that Barca can also compete."
Xavi oversaw a training session at Old Trafford where stars Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong - a United transfer target last summer - took part.
Xavi will, however, be without the injured Pedri and Ousmane Dembele while Gavi is suspended.
Man United train ahead of Barca clash
