Manchester United suffered a humiliating defeat in the Europa League as they crashed out of the tournament after losing 3-0 to Sevilla, with the Spanish side advancing to the semi-finals with a 5-2 aggregate score. The match was marred by a series of costly errors by the United team, including a disastrous performance by Harry Maguire, who was responsible for the first goal and gave away the ball that led to the third.
The match started on a sour note for United, with Maguire giving the ball away on the edge of his area, leading to Youssef En-Nesyri’s goal. Loic Bade added to Sevilla’s tally in the first minute of the second half with a headed goal from a corner. En-Nesyri secured his second goal by rolling the ball into an empty net after United’s goalkeeper, David de Gea, mishit his clearance while outside the area.
Despite the introduction of Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw at the break, United failed to mount a comeback and struggled to create notable chances without suspended playmaker Bruno Fernandes. With Sevilla defending resolutely, United’s biggest first-half concern was an injury to defender Marcao, who had to be replaced. Sevilla believed they had scored a second goal when Lucas Ocampos hammered home, but VAR demonstrated a tight offside against Marcos Acuna in the build-up.
Sevilla dominated the game, with United failing to match their intensity and committing numerous unforced errors. The visitors had no response to Sevilla’s goals and managed the game poorly. United had started the second leg as they ended the first, making costly errors. While Maguire will take the brunt of the criticism for the first goal, De Gea was also at fault for his contribution to the opening goal, and his overall performance was torrid.
Sevilla, who are chasing a record seventh Europa League title, will face Juventus in the last four. United will have to pick themselves up to play in the FA Cup semi-final against Brighton at Wembley on Sunday. To say United lost this tie more than Sevilla won it may seem Anglo-centric, but it is true. The five goals United conceded across both legs were all soft, and they failed to pose a significant threat to Sevilla, who are currently in 13th place in La Liga.
