MANCHESTER UNITED had a host of good performers before they collapsed in an eventful night at Old Trafford.Loan signing Marcel Sabitzer will take most of the plaudits as his first-half double set the tone for the Red Devils.
Marcel Sabitzer was the star of the show with two goalsCredit: Reuters
Anthony Martial impressed in a false nine roleCredit: Getty
Tyrell Malacia was not at his best and scored an unfortunate own goalCredit: Getty
The Austrian midfielder proved to be a fantastic choice to start for manager Erik Ten Hag, who was questioned as to why Christian Eriksen was not in the starting eleven.
He played as the most advanced midfielder, with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in behind him, but seemed to almost find himself thriving in the false nine position more often than not.
Bruno Fernandes ran him close in a bid to be the best performer on the night, after providing a wonderful assist and controlling the game when United were in charge.
It was a magnificent United display until they collapsed in the last 10 minutes of the game, which saw them concede twice, both of which were own goals from Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire.
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Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Red Devils display.
David De Gea – 6
It was a solid display from the Spaniard in net, whose wait for a win over Sevilla in a career-spanning eight attempts goes on.
He made a great save to deny Nianzou just before the half-time whistle and there was not a lot that he could do about the Sevilla goals after two deflections from close range.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
Solid whenever he was required, made a few good sliding tackles and clearances.
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Linked up well with Antony going forward, generally well positioned throughout the game. Dealt well with Acuna all game long on the right-hand side.
Raphael Varane – 6
Performed well in the first half before being substituted for Harry Maguire due to what looked like an injury.
The Frenchman was always composed, solid at the back and strong in the air when his team needed him. Would have been rated higher if it wasn’t for his minutes.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Another great performance from the man they call ‘The Butcher’ in some parts of Manchester.
Nothing got past him today, and he was ever-dependable for Erik Ten Hag’s side. Great performance as he marshalled the back line and covered for Tyrell Malacia at times.
Unfortunately for him and for United he looked to pick up a pretty serious injury, and had to be substituted in the second half.
Tyrell Malacia – 4
Malacia looked the weakest of the United defence, as they missed Luke Shaw through injury.
The youngster was not great and gave the ball away on a few occasions. As for the own goal, he fell asleep at the back post, and allowed Navas to creep in behind him to give Sevilla hope.
Casemiro – 6
Another solid showing for United in his return to the Red Devils midfield.
Did his job, and everything just seems so much calmer with his presence on the pitch. Some nice passes going forward, but nothing special from the Brazilian.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
A brilliant performance from the Portuguese magnifico, marred only by an unfortunate yellow card for handball on the edge of his own area, which will see him miss the second leg in Spain.
His assist for Marcel Sabitzer’s first goal was a perfectly placed ball that split the defenders.
Subbing him off for Christian Eriksen was a mistake by Erik Ten Hag.
Marcel Sabitzer – 9
Hardly put a foot wrong for United tonight, and scored both goals for United.
Both of them were fine left-footed finishes as he often found himself in a false nine position, rather than his usual midfield slot.
Almost got a brilliant backheel assist in the dying embers of the game too, but was let down by some poor finishing.
Jadon Sancho – 6
Thought he had opened the scoring inside thirty seconds for United, but then failed to really impact the game.
Had a few good moments, and showcased his brilliant footwork on occasion, but lacked the end product.
Antony – 8
Another one of United’s better performers tonight, he caused no end of problems for Marcos Acuna on the right hand side.
Skilful, direct and packed full of ability, he was unfortunate not to be on the scoresheet when he rattled the woodwork with a great effort on his wonderful left peg.
Anthony Martial – 7
Played really well for 60 minutes before being substituted for Wout Weghost in the second half.
Got a wonderful assist for Marcel Sabitzer’s second goal, and looked dangerous every time he got on the ball in the attacking third. Good in the build-up phase for the Red Devils too.
SUBS
Harry Maguire – 4 (HT)
Scored a very unfortunate own-goal as Sevilla equalised late on. Failed to really inject the composure into the backline that Varane and Martinez did.
Christian Eriksen – 5 (62′)
Didn’t really impact the game, or show the quality that we know he has in the locker. Bruno Fernandes was controlling the game before Eriksen came on.
Wout Weghorst – 5 (62′)
Missed a half-chance following some good work from Marcel Sabitzer. The Dutch striker looked a step down from Anthony Martial in the first half.
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Anthony Elanga – 5 (62′)
Failed to impact the game in any real way.
Facundo Pellistri – 5 (81′)
Only played ten minutes, and looked full of energy on the right hand side, created a few half-chances but nothing too concrete. More
