Manchester United drew 2-2 in their Europa League play-off first-leg and Paul Scholes has heaped praise on his former side’s performance.

Speaking after the game, Scholes was pleased with how United played and also how Erik ten Hag approached the game.

The 48-year-old said: ‘I think they would have been before the game (happy with a draw) but if you look at the way the game went, the chances they created, I thought United were really good tonight, second half especially.’

The former United legend was also incredibly excited at the prospect of the rematch following the thrilling first-leg at the Nou Camp.

Scholes continued: ‘What a game to watch, so exciting. There wasn’t a breath taken, both teams really going for it. A bit of a throwback really when you look at it.

‘Ten Hag said they were going to go for it and he was right. I don’t think this is an amazing Barcelona team but this game is now perfectly set up for next Thursday night.’

The pundit summed up his feelings on his former side, saying: ‘They look a proper team now.

‘To come to Barcelona, get a result like that is really good and as good as you can expect at this stage.’

Fellow pundit and former Manchester United player, Owen Hargreaves, also agreed with Scholes.

Hargreaves said: ‘I think if anyone was doubting if United are the real deal or not, that just shows you.

‘They came here and went toe to toe with Barcelona, top of La Liga, and put in a great performance [and] could have easily won the game.’

Hargreaves also praised Ten Hag for his work at Manchester United during his debut season.

The 42-year-old pundit said: ‘That manager is instilling confidence in the players and the fans and even us… It transmits to the pitch. The players believe. To come here and put in a performance like that, they were brilliant.’

After the stalemate, the tie is now perfectly in the balance before the return fixture at Old Trafford.

Both teams will feel that they could have taken the lead heading into the rematch and will be excited by the prospect of the second-leg.

Ten Hag’s men have a home fixture against Leicester in between the games, whilst Barcelona host Cadiz in the league.