Manchester United’s UEFA Europa League journey came to an end on Sunday when they were beaten 2-1 by Sevilla in Cologne.
An early sliding challenge from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was deemed to be his second yellow card offense by the referee, resulting in him being sent off, and Suso left a man down. United continued to create chances, but could not count them, and five-time Europa League winners Sevilla took advantage through substitute Luuk de Jong’s winner, 12 minutes from full time.
Positives
There was a certain patience for the build-up game of United, and for large parts of the game they seemed to create chances …
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The negative
… But the attackers did not burn and decay in concentration at the back caused problems, as both Sevilla goals came from crosses. Moreover, the response to recovery, as time went on, was poorly created with poor opportunities.
Administrator rating of 10
5 – Solskjaer’s decision to go ahead with David de Gea for Sergio Romero raised some eyebrows, but within that he put United on rather conservatively. There was clearly more momentum to push forward and play faster after the break, but the second goal never came. Meanwhile, Solskjaer only went to the bench until the 87th minute.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes will not get a rating)
GK David de Gea, 5 – While there were none of the explicit mistakes he has made in recent months, he could have been more wary of the opening of Sevilla and he also saw when the cross for the winner of De Jong over his 6 -yardbox comb.
DF Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 4 – The jittery nature of his style means he can tackle fairly efficiently, but when trying to produce something positive with the ball as his feet, he falls. He should also have tracked Sergio Reguilon better for the first Sevilla goal.
DF Victor Lindelof, 5 – Despite having excellent timing at times, he was struck by the cross that proved the winner.
DF Harry Maguire, 5 – His position was doubtful for Sevilla’s first goals, while the time he takes the ball on time gradually slows the flow of United’s game.
DF Brandon Williams, 5 – After receiving a yellow card, the teenager did not show enough awareness at the back post for Sevilla’s first goal. Then, despite some improved approaches, he spent too much time throwing himself on the floor.
MF Paul Pogba, 5 – After a poor first half, the World Cup winner improved massively after the interval. However, while he tracked down well and asked with his passing, he did not make enough of an impact.
MF Fred, 5 – On occasion, he was able to dismiss Sevilla’s midfielders, but Fred was far too inconsistent and impulsive with his passing.
MF Bruno Fernandes, 7 – Scoring another fantastic penalty was his and United’s brightest moment. He was the best player of his site, with a great distribution.
FW Mason Greenwood, 6 – His delivery, accuracy and smooth play when he gets the right service are elevated, but he was too often lost in the mix.
FW Marcus Rashford, 4 – Having the penalty, forcing a good save from a free kick was as good as for the English international, who struggled when he took defenders. His frustration was shown when he was reserved for dissent.
FW Anthony Martial, 6 – At the receiving end of several difficult approaches, but difficulty connecting with those around him, and, a few fun runes on top, struggling to create danger.
Swaps
MF Juan Mata, NR – Unlike the previous round against Copenhagen, the veteran could not change this game.
MF Daniel James, NR – Ran hard in the few minutes he had, but he struggled to get into the game.
DF Timothy Fosu-Mensah, NR – Introduced by linksback to offer some late energy but didn’t make much of an impact.
FW Odion Ighalo, NR – One last throw of the dice, but he could not make a difference.
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