MY ACCOUNT
Manchester United again gifted Sevilla two goals as they crashed out of the Europa League following a 3-0 defeat in the away leg of their quarter-final.
Two late own goals at Old Trafford had seen Thursday’s match at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan kick off with the tie all square at 2-2.
And another desperate defensive display saw United eliminated, with Youssef En-Nesyri helping himself to a brace after errors from Harry Maguire and David de Gea.
Loic Bade was also on target as Sevilla cruised through courtesy of a 5-2 aggregate success, with Juventus next in the semi-finals.
United had been quick out of the blocks at home last week, but they contributed to their own early downfall this time as Sevilla broke through in the eighth minute.
De Gea fed the ball into Maguire, who was quickly surrounded by three attackers on the edge of the penalty area and saw his attempted pass intercepted by Erik Lamela before En-Nesyri calmly slotted home.
Sevilla continued to pose the greater threat, and the VAR came to United’s rescue five minutes before the break when Marcos Acuna strayed offside before Lucas Ocampos brilliantly fired past De Gea.
It was only a temporary reprieve as Ivan Rakitic’s corner looped up off Bade’s shoulder and over De Gea at the start of the second half.
Ocampos somehow failed to add a third in a goalmouth scramble, allowing United to attempt their own two-goal comeback as Casemiro and Christian Eriksen went close.
But any hopes of a United recovery were ended nine minutes from time when De Gea raced out of his box and failed to make clean contact with a clearance, giving En-Nesyri the opportunity to curl his shot around the stranded goalkeeper.
What does it mean? United’s Sevilla struggles continue
It is safe to say Sevilla have United’s number. Indeed, the Red Devils have faced the LaLiga side the most times in European competition without winning, that streak now extending to five matches.
United had lost just once in their previous 12 away knockout matches in the Europa League, but they appeared completely overawed by the occasion and Sevilla’s intensity.
En-Nesyri brings up half a century
The Morocco striker was restored to the starting line-up having initially watched from the bench as Lamela led the line at Old Trafford last week.
And En-Nesyri certainly justified Jose Luis Mendilibar’s decision, taking both his goals with aplomb. The first was his 50th goal for Sevilla, becoming the 25th different player – and 11th non-Spanish player – to reach that milestone.
Dismal De Gea repeat
De Gea now accounts for three of the five errors United have committed leading to goals this season, and he was perhaps fortunate the first goal went down as a Maguire mistake.
It is the second time this season United have had two errors leading to a goal in the same game, with the 4-0 defeat at Brentford playing out in a similar fashion – De Gea clearly responsible for one goal and also selling a team-mate short for another. Eriksen was caught out on that occasion.
What’s next?
United switch their focus to the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday, when they face Brighton and Hove Albion, while Sevilla host Villarreal in LaLiga on the same day.
