Manchester United vs Sevilla preview
The gruelling schedule for Manchester United shows no signs of easing as the Red Devils host Sevilla in the first leg of the Europa League quarterfinals on Thursday.
Erik ten Hag’s team are ascendant after rattling off two consecutive wins at home in the Premier League. Sevilla, on the other hand, are struggling in La Liga. They lie in 13th place, just five points off the relegation zone.
However, United won’t make the mistake of thinking this is an easy tie. Remarkably, Sevilla are unbeaten against Manchester United in their last three fixtures.
We've been drawn against Sevilla in the @EuropaLeague quarter-finals 👊#MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/MffXYKDW1K
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 17, 2023
All these losses have been the nadir of the United manager’s time then. An 2-1 aggregate loss in the Champions League gave the world Jose Mourinho’s famous “Football heritage” rant. While Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s youthful United lost 2-1 to Sevilla in the Europa League semifinal in the 2019-20 season, elongating the then trophy-less spell.
Erik ten Hag will want to break the curse of Sevilla, while the Spanish side will aim to put their domestic struggles behind them to cause an upset again.
Manchester United vs Sevilla – Team news
For United, the biggest injury worry is Marcus Rashford. He hobbled off the pitch during the Everton game with an apparent groin injury. Erik ten Hag was downbeat in his initial assessment of the forward. He is likely to miss this game and beyond as well. A Marcus Rashford injury could mean Anthony Martial could make his first start in a while.
However, on the optimistic front, Christian Eriksen returned to the fold after more than two months out. He could partner up with returning Casemiro to give United their strongest midfield duo in a long time.
Back in the game ❤️
💫 @ChrisEriksen8 #MUFC || #MUNEVE pic.twitter.com/NP8y51qV6n
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 8, 2023
Raphael Varane should come back into the side after resting against Everton but the status of Luke Shaw remains doubtful.
Manchester United Predicted XI: De Gea, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia, Eriksen Casemiro, Antony, Fernandes, Sancho, Martial.
Sevilla played out a gritty 2-2 draw against Celta Vigo in their last La Liga fixture which saw them play with 10 men for over an hour. Therefore, some rotation is to be expected. They have no immediate injury worries or suspensions.
Manchester United will see some former rivals line up against them. Former Manchester City players Fernando and Jesus Navas are joined by ex-Liverpool player Suso in Sevilla’s lineup. Erik Lamela and Bryan Gil (Tottenham) round up the main ex-PL stars.
There could also be an appearance for a United player in Sevilla colours. Alex Telles has had a mixed time with things so far but could be motivated to make a mark against his parent club.
Sevilla Predicted XI: Dmitrovic, Montiel, Bade, Nianzou, Acuna, Fernando, Gueye, Suso, Lamela, Gil, En-Nesyri.
Manchester United vs Sevilla – Key players
Anthony Martial and Casemiro – Manchester United
Marcus Rashford will be absent for this one and so will his 27 goals and 10 assists worth of output. In his absence, the onus of being clinical will fall on the returning Anthony Martial.
The French striker has had encouraging cameos since returning and he marked his third cameo with a clinical finish against Everton. Manchester United will need him to be at his best to put the tie to bed in the first leg.
Manchester United have now gone 24 games unbeaten at Old Trafford.
Fortress. 🏰🔴 pic.twitter.com/2q9QWFM6Hu
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 8, 2023
Meanwhile, Casemiro is returning fresh due to a four-game domestic suspension. His prior knowledge of Spanish opponents and experience in big games will stand United in good stead.
Youssef en-Nesyri and Marcos Acuna – Sevilla
If Erik ten Hag gets his way, United will swarm Sevilla in their own half by pressing with intensity. In such a scenario, Sevilla’s striker will need to make the maximum of whatever scarce service comes his way. If Nesyri makes himself a nuisance for United centre-backs and fashion opportunities for his team, Sevilla’s prospects will look much healthier.
El gol de Marcos Acuña para que el Sevilla le este ganando 2-9 al Celta de Vigo ⚽🇦🇷https://t.co/5eN6tr3eqU
— Futbolito⚽ ⭐⭐⭐ (@FutbolitoyMessi) April 7, 2023
As for Marcos Acuna, he will be motivated to make things right after his red card against Celta Vigo. The adventurous LB is a great attacking contributor to Sevilla’s attacks. He is a goal threat as well and with United’s RB spot going through perennial competition, whoever is selected on that side will have his hands full with Acuna.
Manchester United vs Sevilla prediction
Sevilla are Manchester United’s bogey team. However, the Red Devils have shown enough fight this season to believe that Erik ten Hag has changed the mentality at the club.
Combining United’s vigour with Sevilla’s struggles this season, it would be an upset if Manchester United fail to win at Old Trafford. A clean sheet to take back to Sevilla will be crucial.
FootTheBall predicts Manchester United 2-0 Sevilla.
