Despite Marcus Rashford's valiant efforts, Manchester United was unable to overcome Barcelona's improbable goal in the first leg of their Europa League knockout stage play-off, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

In the enthralling contest on Thursday at Camp Nou, in-form Rashford equaled his greatest season goal total with his 22nd goal, canceling out Marcos Alonso's opening strike.

Nine minutes after falling behind, United took the lead thanks to some more excellent play from Rashford, whose quick thinking from a short corner resulted in Jules Kounde sending the ball into his own net.

However, Barcelona, who lost crucial midfielder Pedri to an injury in the first half, came back against the odds in the 76th minute when Raphinha's cross went all the way through to put the tie in a tight position going into next week's second leg.

In the game's first significant opportunity, Wout Weghorst was given a clear path to the goal by Bruno Fernandes, but he was stopped by Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who was also up to the task of stopping Casemiro's header.

Ter Stegen made another excellent save to deny Rashford, and David de Gea stopped Jordi Alba's shot after Aaron Wan-Bissaka dragged out his step.

Four minutes into the second half, Alonso found the back of the net after eluding his defender and heading in a corner from Raphinha, but the visitors quickly drew even.

Fred surged forward and played in Rashford, who blasted past Ter Stegen at his near post to keep his hot streak going.

Rashford was key again just before the hour, driving into the box and delivering a cross that went in off Kounde after Fernandes flicked it on.

United looked good value for another goal but were instead pegged back soon after — Raphinha's right-sided cross evading Robert Lewandowski and nutmegging Raphael Varane before nestling in the bottom-left corner.

Barca went particularly close to finding a late winner as Casemiro hit his own post amid a scramble, before De Gea superbly denied Ansu Fati in a gripping conclusion that also saw the hosts have a penalty appeal rejected for a possible handball against Fred.