Manchester United’s hopes of winning the Europa League came to a screeching halt in Sevilla as the Spanish side won the second leg 3-0. The first leg ended 2-2 in Old Trafford, and many would opine that Erik Ten Hag’s men threw away the tie with individual mistakes costing them time and time again.
Here are the key talking points from the second leg of the quarter final:
Key takeaways as Manchester United eliminated from Europa League by Sevilla
Harry Maguire and David De Gea slip up terribly
While Maguire and De Gea were both at fault for the opening goal, the keeper botched a clearance that led to Youssef En-Nesyri’s second goal of the night. Maguire was at fault for an own goal in the first leg, and was pressed into making an error this time around. The early opening goal made it even more difficult for them to turn things around, and it ended up costing them dearly.
Bruno Fernandes, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez’s absence costs United
The Manchester United talisman was suspended from the tie due to too many yellow cards. And without him, his team really suffered going forward. The intensity was lacking and they could barely test Bono with only three shots on target for the team.
The backline looked shaky throughout, with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane both injured. The partnership of Maguire and Lindelof provided very little stability, and it is likely that there will be no future for them with United beyond this season.
Sevilla’s love affair with the Europa League continues
Overcoming an in-form Manchester United, Sevilla have booked a place in the Europa League semi finals against Juventus. They are the record holders of the trophy, and have another chance to extend their tally. From being in danger of relegation to bouncing back with intensity, the Spanish side have really turned things around in the last few months.
