Ten Hag optimistic over Rashford’s injury
Manchester United and Sevilla meet in the quarter-finals of the Europa League this season as Erik ten Hag’s men continue to search for success in the cup competitions.
The Dutchman has already secured one trophy in his first season as manager at Old Trafford and his side could yet challenge for two more, with United still in the FA Cup and hoping to go all the way in this competition.
They face tricky opponents this evening though as Sevilla are serial winners of the Europa League. The Spanish side have won the tournament a record six times and are experienced enough to make it into the latter stages of the knockout rounds. There is added incentive for them to perform well as a poor domestic season sees Sevilla languishing in the bottom half of La Liga meaning success in the Europa League will be their only route back into European football next season.
Though favourites, United will not be able to call upon Marcus Rashford who has a groin issue so Anthony Martial is expected to feature instead.
Follow all the action from the Europa League as Manchester United host Sevilla:
Man Utd 2-0 Sevilla
25 mins: This is about as bad a start as Sevilla fans could have imagined. They’ve got a mountain to climb and it hasn’t got any easier as Rakitic goes into the book for a poor challenge on Casemiro.
Ben Fleming13 April 2023 20:26
Man Utd 2-0 Sevilla
We’d barely had time to digest the first goal, but here is Sabitzer and United’s second:
Ben Fleming13 April 2023 20:25
GOAL! (Sabitzer, 21) Man Utd 2-0 Sevilla
And another! A rampant United add a second and Sevilla are all over the place so far. Martial has been great since the off and he’s the architect of United’s second. He feeds Sabitzer – who is taking up a very advanced position – and the midfielder slots bast Bono for his second of the night in just over 20 minutes.
Ben Fleming13 April 2023 20:21
Man Utd 1-0 Sevilla
And here’s the replay from United’s first goal:
Ben Fleming13 April 2023 20:21
Man Utd 1-0 Sevilla
17 mins: That early goal is exactly what Ten Hag would have wanted. It’s just deserts for a positive start and gives them a great platform on which to put in a decisive first-leg performance.
Ben Fleming13 April 2023 20:19
GOAL! (Sabitzer, 14) Man Utd 1-0 Sevilla
It’s been a great start from United and they have the lead through the on-loan midfielder. Fernandes picks the ball up from deep and the United captain threads a neat pass through to Sabitzer on the edge of the box. The Austrian takes a great touch to shift it onto his left and his deflected effort loops over Bono and into the net.
Ben Fleming13 April 2023 20:15
Man Utd 0-0 Sevilla
13 mins: SAVE! Martial has been lively in these opening stages and the Frenchman makes another positive burst down the left. He pulls it back to Antony who uses his strength well and eventually fires a shot in at the near post which is tipped around the corner by Bono.
Ben Fleming13 April 2023 20:14
Man Utd 0-0 Sevilla
11 mins: It’s a silly early card for Montiel as he throws the ball away after Sevilla had given away a free-kick. It’s a bit early for timewasting you’d have to say.
Ben Fleming13 April 2023 20:12
Man Utd 0-0 Sevilla
8 mins: Sevilla have recovered well after that early United onslaught to work themselves into this encounter. Rakitic delivers a free-kick from the right but it’s overhit and the United defence can deal with that.
Ben Fleming13 April 2023 20:09
Man Utd 0-0 Sevilla
4 mins: A hugely positive start from the home side as they force their first corner of the game. The delivery is wasteful, though, and Sevilla can clear
Ben Fleming13 April 2023 20:04
