Manchester United crashed out of the Europa League on Thursday as they suffered a humbling 3-0 defeat to Sevilla in the quarter-final second leg.
The Red Devils were bullied from start to finish by a more passionate and dogged Sevilla side, who earned a 5-2 aggregate win and progressed to the semi-final against Juventus.
The visitors endured a torrid first half and it took just eight minutes for Sevilla to take the lead as they pounced on a horrendous mistake at the back. David de Gea gave an ill-advised ball to Harry Maguire at the edge of his own box, and the centre-back’s pass was intercepted by Erik Lamela and dropped into the path of Youssef En-Nesyri. The Moroccan advanced forward and slotted the ball into the back of the United net to give Sevilla the perfect start.
From there, the Spanish side dominated and Lamela saw a decent shot saved while En-Nesyri and Ivan Rakitic had dangerous attempts that were blocked. Sevilla did net a second in the opening 45 minutes through Luis Ocampos, but it was correctly ruled out as Marcos Acuna was offside in the build-up.
While it was an atrocious half from the Red Devils, Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou held Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s tame shot and Casemiro headed over from Antony’s cross.
But it was a similar story after the break with Sevilla scoring inside the first three minutes. It was Loic Bade who rose highest in the United box and scored from a corner, with the ball looping in over De Gea after coming off the defender’s shoulder.
Rakitic nearly earned a third from a wicked cross that De Gea palmed wide, while Ocampos and then Nemanja Gudelj went close during a frantic goalmouth scramble inside the Red Devils six-yard box.
United did have half chances from Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, but the Sevilla onslaught continued with Suso seeing a deflected shot saved while Rakitic flashed an effort wide. On 81 minutes, the hosts got a deserved third through another De Gea mistake. The Spaniard took a heavy touch from a long ball upfield, and it fell to En-Nesyri who had an open goal to aim at from 25 yards.
Anthony Elanga did force a late save from Bounou but it was a rare opening on a hugely disappointing night for United. Here’s how we rated the players...
1. David de Gea- 2
Was at fault for the first and third goals and didn’t cover himself in glory for the second on an awful night.
2. Aaron Wan-Bissaka- 4 (off 46)
Couldn’t defend against Sevilla’s lively attackers and the full-back had a few awkward touches in possession.
3. Harry Maguire- 3
Began the match with an awful mistake and never recovered. Maguire looked nervous all night.
4. Victor Lindelof- 4
United’s best defender but it was an off night for the team at the back.