Manchester United crumble defensively, held to 2-2 draw by Sevilla

Manchester United was very unfortunate on Thursday night when they played Sevilla in the first leg of their quarterfinal UEFA Europa League fixture at Old Trafford. 

The Red Devils were clear favorites to win the fixture on the night and move into the semi-finals on an aggregate and started like a house on fire against the Spaniards, who have had to deal with inconsistency this season La Liga.

Manchester United was without Marcus Rashford on the night, who was confirmed injured, but they managed to hit the back of the net early in the first half through on-loan midfielder Marcel Sabitzer in the fourteenth minute.

Sabitzer also scored his second 24 minutes into the game to give United a 2-goal lead and cruise to what was suspected to be an easy victory.

Despite the early dominance, Manchester United failed to kill the game off, although a collapse late into the game was not what they expected.

Own goals from Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire in the 84th and stoppage time pulled Sevilla straight back into the tie on aggregate, with the second leg looming next week.

United’s key player on the night, Marcel Sabitzer, was disappointed with the result and lamented United’s inability to kill off the game.

“I have problems finding the right words. It was like a rollercoaster game. We had to finish the game off, and at the end, it’s a draw, and it’s not what we wanted. We had the chance [to finish the game off]. We controlled the game, but unfortunately, we gave easy goals away. We cannot concede these kinds of goals, and we’re really disappointed now.” Sabitzer said.

Manchester United will travel to City Ground to face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League at the weekend before next week’s second leg.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu