Manchester United played out a frustrating 2-2 draw against Sevilla on Thursday night in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
The Red Devils had led 2-0 in the early stages and looked set for a comfortable win, but the visitors fought back to earn a draw thanks to own-goals from Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire inside the last six minutes of the game, with United ending the match with 10 men.
United started brilliantly and within 27 seconds Jadon Sancho slotted the ball into the back of the net following Antony’s pass in behind, but United’s no.25 was frustrated to see the assistant referee’s flag raised. Antony then tested Yassine Bounou with a strike after 13 minutes before United took the lead.
Bruno Fernandes picked the Austrian out with a well-timed pass and Sabitzer took a touch before firing towards goal, with the ball taking a fortuitous nick off Marcao before spinning into the Sevilla net.
It wasn’t long before United doubled their advantage with Sabitzer again pushing up as United’s highest player on the pitch. He was found by an Anthony Martial through ball and again Sabitzer finished with his left foot past Bounou. The on-loan Bayern Munich man nearly got his hat-trick on 32 minutes when he got the final touch on Fernandes’ poked shot, which was saved by Bounou - albeit replays showed Sabitzer was offside.
But United’s dominance waned as the half continued with Ivan Rakitic sending a free-kick wide before David de Gea made a great save on the stroke of half-time to deny Tanguy Nianzou’s header from a corner.
United also began the second period without the same swagger, with Antony producing the best chances via two shots after cutting inside, the best of which crashed off the post in the 61st minute. The Red Devils did push late on for a third with Malacia seeing his goal-bound effort blocked by Fernando, before Casemiro headed over a few minutes later.
United were made to pay for not extending that lead when late on Malacia inadvertently prodded the ball into his own from a Jesus Navas cross. The Dutch left-back misjudged the flight of the ball and let it run in behind for Navas to latch onto and fire across the box.
From there the game changed. Lisandro Martinez was stretchered off with a foot injury after Erik ten Hag had made all five changes. De Gea was then called into action to keep out efforts from Suso and Youssef En-Nesyri. But as the match moved into injury-time, En-Nesyri rose highest in the box to head towards goal, only for it to deflect in off a deflated Maguire.
Here’s how we rated the United players..
1. David de Gea- 7
Made good saves to keep out Nianzou and En-Nesyri during the game and could do nothing about the two goals.
2. Aaron Wan-Bissaka- 7
Sevilla had little joy down United’s right flank and Wan-Bissaka defended well throughout the night.
3. Raphael Varane- 7 (off 46)
Solid at the back and made some good tackles and interceptions. The defender picked up a knock and had to be replaced at half-time
4. Lisandro Martinez- 6 (off 86)
Put in more of a reserved showing compared to his usually fiery displays. The centre-back was stretchered off with a late injury.