Man Utd coach Benni McCarthy caught laughing at two players before Barcelona clash
Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has been putting players through their paces ahead of Thursday night's crunch Europa League showdown with Barcelona.
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Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy was amused at a training session involving Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League clash with Barcelona. The former Porto striker was hired by Erik ten Hag back in the summer. And he’s proven to be a big influence at Carrington, with Red Devils squad members benefitting from his approach.
Manchester United will lock horns with Barcelona on Thursday looking to continue their impressive season so far.
Few gave Ten Hag a chance of having a successful first year in the dugout at the beginning of the campaign, especially after defeats to Brighton and Brentford.
But the Dutchman has masterminded a remarkable turnaround, with the Red Devils in with a shot of winning all four tournaments they’re currently in.
Ahead of United’s clash with Barcelona, players have been put through their paces.
And McCarthy was, according to the Manchester Evening News, amused by two incidents during the training session before the game.
Man Utd coach Benni McCarthy put players through their paces ahead of Barcelona clash (Image: GETTY)
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Martinez will miss the match through suspension but the Argentina international left his coach ‘amused’ by throwing himself around despite the fact he’s unavailable.
And McCarthy joined in with the laughs when Garnacho was ‘poleaxed’ by the ball.
Garnacho will be hoping to start up top for United, especially after his superb goal in the 2-0 victory over Leeds on Sunday.
Should that happen, then Marcus Rashford may be moved to the right - despite his impressive form this term.
And Wout Weghorst is expected to lead the line, with United poised to be without Anthony Martial for the crunch clash at the Nou Camp.
Man Utd star Alejandro Garnacho left Benni McCarthy amused ahead of Barcelona clash (Image: GETTY)
"He makes variants in attack and defence, they work very well. He is an attacking coach and he shows it in almost every game. He is a reference for coaches who like this kind of football.
"Manchester 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 had good results and it will be very hard to win the game."
And he also praised Rashford, with the United star scoring 21 goals and registering seven assists across all competitions this season.
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Man Utd star Lisandro Martinez will be absent for Barcelona clash (Image: GETTY)
"He's one of the most dangerous forwards in Europe," continued the Barcelona boss. "He's fast, he's one-on-one and we'll have to watch him a lot. He's one of the best in Europe, without a doubt.
"We have assessed what they are doing. Rashford, (Alejandro) Garnacho, (Jadon) Sancho and (Wout) Weghorst might be a reference. The transitions are very quick."
United last met Barcelona back in 2019.
They lost 2-0 at Old Trafford, with Lionel Messi then bagging a brace and Philippe Coutinho on target in a 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture in Catalonia.