One of his most challenging opponents since taking the job is Marcus Rashford of Manchester United, according to Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez.

In the Europa League play-offs last year, the La Liga champions and United faced off. The team of Erik ten Hag triumphed after two legs, 4-3 overall.

Rashford scored in the 2-2 draw at Camp Nou but struggled to make an impact in the return leg at Old Trafford as the Red Devils sealed a 2-1 win.

Xavi has now admitted that his players found it hard to keep Rashford quiet during their Europa League tie.

When asked to name his most difficult player to stop as Barca’s head coach, Xavi told Mundo Deportivo: “Rashford cost us a lot. Also Vinicius, [Karim] Benzema.”