Manchester United threw away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Sevilla in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie. Marcel Sabitzer’s brace had the Red Devils cruising, with the Austria international bagging twice in the opening 21 minutes. However, two own goals from Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire gave the visitors hope of going through.
Manchester United had gone into the game against Sevilla with many wondering how they’d cope without the injured Marcus Rashford.
And the Red Devils proved they can survive without their talisman with a strong performance on home soil.
Sabitzer put United ahead in the 14th minute, with the Austria international converting after a good pass from Bruno Fernandes.
And Sabitzer then doubled both his own and his side’s tally just seven minutes later, rifling home after a neat ball through from Anthony Martial.
Late own goals from Malacia and Maguire, however, give the La Liga side hope. Express Sport now takes a look at four things we learned from the contest at Old Trafford.
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Casemiro gesture speaks volumes
Casemiro is always keen for his team-mates to get their fair share of the spotlight.
And, after Sabitzer’s second goal, the Brazil international gestured to fans to urge them to show some appreciation for Martial.
The forward played a fantastic pass through that allowed his team-mate to convert and double the Red Devils’ lead with just 21 minutes on the clock.
Martial is a divisive figure, with injuries and inconsistency often blighting his time at Old Trafford.
Yet when he plays like this he’s undroppable – and Ten Hag must be relieved his No 9 is now finally fully fit and firing again.
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Fernandes suspension so unfair
As well as the two late goals shipped late on, and injuries to Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, the contest had an even bigger negative for United.
And that was the yellow card given to Fernandes in the first half, with the midfielder now suspended for the second leg.
It wasn’t deserved, either. The Portugal international dived in to block a shot and the ball hit his hand – with there being nothing the midfielder could do to stop it.
Fernandes, rightly, was aggrieved.
And United will have to complete the job in Spain next week without their ever-present No 8 in their starting XI.
A horrid night for United
In previous years, Sevilla have been the team to beat in the Europa League.
They’ve won the competition more times than any other club, with four of their triumphs coming in the past 10 years.
And they summoned some of that magic late on to earn a draw.
The La Liga side were dire in the first half and looked beaten, until the stunning drama that saw them leave Manchester with honours even.
To make things even worse for United, both Varane and Martinez look set to join Marcus Rashford on the sidelines.
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