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Europa League | Knockout Round Playoffs | 1st Leg

Feb 16, 2023 at 5.45pm UK

Camp Nou

Barcelona
2 - 2
Man Utd

(Manchester United win 4-3 on aggregate)

Alonso (50'), Raphinha (76')
Alba (30'), Gavi (73')

FT(HT: 0-0)

Rashford (52'), Kounde (59' og.)
Varane (43'), Casemiro (65'), ten Hag (66'), Malacia (72')

Xavi insists Frenkie de Jong did not want to leave Barcelona for Manchester United

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 16 February 2023

Xavi insists De Jong did not want Man United move

Barcelona boss Xavi insists that midfielder Frenkie de Jong did not want to sign for Manchester United during the last summer transfer window.

Xavi has insisted that Frenkie de Jong never wanted to leave Barcelona for Manchester United before the start of the season.

As a result of Barcelona's well-documented financial issues, De Jong was involved in a drawn-out saga regarding his future.

Although United were prepared to meet the transfer fee which was being demanded by the Catalan giants, they were less successful in tempting the Netherlands international to leave Camp Nou for Old Trafford.

That is despite Barcelona officials allegedly pushing De Jong to leave the club or reduce his wages as they desperately bid to bring their books into some sort of order.

However, the 25-year-old, who had made it clear that he was settled in Spain, stood firm, and he has been a regular fixture in Xavi's lineup during 2022-23.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong celebrates scoring against Cadiz on September 10, 2022 © Reuters

In total, 20 starts and six substitute outings have been made in all competitions, De Jong completing the 90 minutes on five occasions since January 25.

Barcelona and Manchester United are now preparing to lock horns in the Europa League, the first leg of their last-32 tie taking place at Camp Nou on Thursday night.

At his pre-match press conference, the topic of De Jong inevitably came up, but Xavi stated that his player gave little consideration to moving to England in 2022.

Speaking to reporters, Xavi said: "He was very clear with me. He wanted to stay with us and there was no doubt.

Barcelona manager Xavi pictured in September 2022 © Reuters

"He is our player and I am very happy and satisfied with his performance and leadership. He is in a great moment, like the whole team.

Despite Barcelona being demoted to the Europa League on the back of their poor showings in the Champions League group stage, they are enjoying their best campaign for a number of years.

As well as winning the Supercopa de Espana and reaching the Copa del Rey semi-finals, Barcelona sit eight points clear at the top of the La Liga standings.

Barcelona are also unbeaten in their last 16 fixtures in all competitions, prevailing in their last eight matches.