Saturday, December 7, 2024

Europa League: Sevilla Defeat Man United To Reach Semifinals

Manchester United crashed out of the Europa League in shambolic fashion on Thursday with Sevilla beating them 3-0, to reach the semifinals 5-2 on aggregate.

The record six-time winners thoroughly outplayed Erik ten Hag‘s side, who repeatedly shot themselves in the foot again, having scored two own goals in the first leg.

With Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane injured, Ten Hag had no choice but to start with Harry Maguire at centre-back alongside Victor Lindelof.

Maguire rolled the ball back to goalkeeper David De Gea and called to receive it again from the Spanish goalkeeper, seemingly nonplussed about the three Sevilla players buzzing around him.

As Maguire tried to pass the ball, former Tottenham winger Erik Lamela intercepted it and Youssef En-Nesyri took charge of the situation and stroked it past De Gea at his near post.

United tried to fight back but created few chances of note, shorn of suspended playmaker Bruno Fernandes.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka sent a tame shot at Yassine Bounou, who collected easily, with Sevilla’s biggest first-half concern an injury to defender Marcao, who had to be replaced.

Loic Bade headed home the second from a corner in the first minute of the second half, with Jose Luis Mendilibar‘s side meriting their advantage, which they defended adroitly.

Anthony Martial, who made no impact on loan at Sevilla last season, made way for Wout Weghorst in the second half, as Ten Hag turned to Plan B.

Bounou saved from a long-range Casemiro strike and Christian Eriksen whipped a free-kick narrowly wide as three-time Champions League winners United showed some signs of life.

Sevilla killed the game with 10 minutes remaining when De Gea ran out of his box and mishit an attempted clearance, and Morocco international En-Nesyri took full advantage to stroke home.

Sevilla’s Europa League adventure is the highlight of their campaign, with the Andalucians 13th in Spain, eight points above the relegation zone.

Mendilibar is unbeaten in five games across all competitions since being appointed to replace Jorge Sampaoli.

United must pick themselves up to play in the FA Cup semifinal against Brighton at Wembley on Sunday.

 

Similar Articles

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Advertismentspot_img

Instagram

Most Popular