The 24-year-old Nigerian has been in excellent form for his Italian club during the 2022-23 campaign.
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Ahead of the match, Manchester United’s last piece of silverware had been the Europa League six years ago.
The Gunners qualified for the last 16 of the Europa League directly by finishing top of Group A above PSV Eindhoven.
The Napoli forward has been in sparkling form this season as the Southern Italian giants lead Serie A and take Europe by storm.
The tie was delicately poised following a 2-2 draw at Camp Nou last week, but Barcelona had the advantage in the 18th minute of Thursday’s affair when Robert Lewandowski converted from the penalty spot.
The £107 million-rated striker has been in prolific form this season, racking up 19 goals and four assists in 23 appearances.
Mikel had impressed at the FIFA Under-17 World Championships for Nigeria, but he couldn’t move to the Premier League until he was 18 years old.
“Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani today confirmed his submission of a bid for 100 per cent of Manchester United Football Club,” his press release said ahead of the Friday “soft” deadline for bidders.
The Premier League rivals are keen on the Napoli striker’s transfer.
Marcos Alonso sent the home side ahead early in the second period before Man United turned the match around.
According to Daily Mail, the tech-billionaire is believed to be monitoring the situation closely, and wondering if there is an opportunity at Old Trafford that he should not miss.
Wednesday’s four-goal draw left the Red Devils third in the table on 43 points, while their managerless hosts rose above West Ham United into 16th place.
During the game at Old Trafford on February 4, both sets of players were involved in an on-pitch scuffle that resulted in United midfielder Casemiro being sent off.
Having been productive during the same period ahead of 2022-23, United are enjoying one of their best campaigns for some time, currently sitting in third position in the Premier League table.
The Red Devils are expected to sign a big-money centre-forward during the next transfer window, with the club light in that area due to Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit and Anthony Martial’s ongoing fitness problems.
The Napoli striker has become United’s top summer transfer target off the back of impressive performances that have seen him score 16 goals and become Serie A’s top scorer.
The two teams are separated by 15 points and eight places in the current standings, with the Red Devils sitting in fourth spot and the Eagles down in 12th position.
Last month Rashford continued his scintillating form with goals in three of Manchester United’s four matches.
The 24-year-old made the move to Napoli from Lille in 2020, and has featured on 82 occasions for the Italian giants.
The feat helped them to clinch a place in the final of the 2022/2023 English League Cup, also known as Carabao Cup.