‘Good luck with that one’ – Graeme Souness knows Manchester United have got it rough in Europa League draw against Barcelona but Xavi reckons it’s the worst draw for his side

Graeme Souness is predicting a difficult two legs for Manchester United against Barcelona in their Europa League knockout play-off.

Erik ten Hag's side paid the price for finishing second in their Europa League group behind Real Sociedad and the Red Devils and Barca were the first two clubs drawn out of the hat to set up a glamour two-legged affair.

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As for Barcelona, they would have been hoping for an easier game after being dumped out of the Champions League.

Fans are already looking forward to the mouth-watering match-up, with Liverpool legend Souness simply responding to the draw with: "Good luck with that one."

Speaking on White and Jordan, he had sympathy. "I don't think you could have picked a more difficult one."

Expanding on his initial response, he added: "I think [Barcelona] are doing OK, I know there's been recent controversy over [Gerard] Pique and they way he's been treated coming to the end of his career.

"But I think that Barca are decent at this time."

Barcelona currently sit at the top of the LaLiga table, having won 11 out of their opening 13 Spanish top-flight matches.

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But they will be bumped back down to second spot should rivals Real Madrid beat Rayo Vallecano on Monday night.

Despite their impressive domestic form, boss Xavi has been left angered by the prospect of facing United as he insisted his side have 'no luck'.

Barcelona were previously drawn in the Champions League group of death alongside Bayern Munich and Inter Milan where they finished third.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday's clash at Osasuna, Xavi said: "It is the most difficult opponent once again. But we will look forward to it.

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"They are a historic side, they have grown a lot with the arrival of Ten Hag, they have great players.

"It's the worst draw we could have got. Once again. No luck."

The match will see Cristiano Ronaldo renew his rivalry with Barcelona following his time at Los Blancos.

Commenting on the Portugal international, Xavi remarked: "Do I think Cristiano’s level has dropped?

"He’s a great player, he has been one of the best players and he can definitely make the difference for them."