Manchester United have quit well current performance in group stage this season and have the same points collected with Arsenal, I don't think what your reason about Manchester United have underperformance this season after win 5 matches and have 1 loss at group stage. I think with play off round match against with Barcelona looks unlucky moment for United because loss difference goals with Real Sociedad although last matchday success beat Sociedad at their home.
Still have possibility for Manchester United with Europe League tittle actually if can beat Barcelona in play off round begin at February 17th for first leg and second Manchester United playing home on 24th February.
Manchester United's performance in the group stage was really good? I don't think so. Although Manchester United won 5 out of 6 matches. But they have to fight hard to win every match. Even against comparatively weaker teams, they cannot dominate the match. If they can't dominate against weak teams, how can Manchester United win against big teams like Barcelona or Arsenal?
However, whether the Manchester United team is worthy of winning the title will be proved in their upcoming matches. Manchester United will undoubtedly become favorites to win the Europa League if they beat Barcelona.
@Oneandpure, I think I disagree with you on the point that Arsenal will be the winner of the tournament. Personally, I think that Barcelona is a better team than both them and United.
Manchester United have not been playing very well football this season, and on top of that, they had that Cristiano Ronaldo controversy as he was released from the team.
Compared to that, Barcelona have Robert Lewandowski, who will be a key weapon for them during this tournament, whereas Arsenal/United lack such a player.
We all know how deadly Lewandowski can be in front of the goal. We have seen him score hundreds of goals for Bayern Munich and also score tons of goals for Barcelona this season.
So far he has scored 13 goals in 14 matches for them in the league, which is a pretty stellar stat.
I think Barcelona will win the match against Manchester United and progress to win the tournament.