You cannot be counting Barcelona as favourites to win the Europa League when they have not overcome Manchester United that is a big challenge for them. If you want to count favourites, it will.be fine you mention both of them because anyone that won between Manchester United and Barcelona may likely get to the finals of the Europa League for this season. It is unfortunate that the two big teams met early
There is nothing that is very unfortunate when two big teams meet early because precisely that will make the Europa League more exciting from the start even though one of them will lose early. Because this season's Europa League has been inhabited by more big teams and it's not only Barcelona and Manchester United, but there are still others as well so some of the matches might be even more exciting.