Manchester United prove that they are not ready to make that extra step amongst the best in Europe this season. A disappointing fixture against Sevilla saw them get knocked out of the Champions League in the Round of 16. After making it to two Champions League finals in three years, United has now reached the quarterfinals in a span of six years. Considering the amount of money the team has spent, results like these should be embarrassing. Meanwhile Sevilla celebrates their first appearance in a Champions League quarterfinal.
What Went Right For Sevilla:
United went out with a more defensive approach for the first leg and it cost them. Sevilla was the better team for the majority of the fixture and they took advantage of United’s problems in the back. We all know United is not one of the best defensive teams in the World and they will eventually give you an opportunity. Sevilla went out to a difficult stadium and kept their heads even after United had clearer chances in the first half. Rico made some brilliant saves to keep Sevilla in and the rest is history. Well deserved and well fought by the Andalucia side.
Celebrate long into the night, lads.
You deserve it. pic.twitter.com/P5K91e1LaQ
— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) March 13, 2018
What Went Wrong For United:
Firstly, the manager. Mourinho’s defensive tactics ruined the leg for United who were scared to attack Sevilla in the first leg and could not bring back an away goal. Look at the attacking lineup Mourinho has. Look at the offensive subs he has. Yet continues to depend on counter attacks to score in big games.
None of us know 100% how Martial and Pogba were feeling before the game. Sure, we can go off of media reports but Mourinho knows more about his players than I do. Therefore, we cannot blame him for not starting Pogba or Martial. With that being said, I do not think that the lineup he put out was the best for the team. Fellaini should not have started and did not provide much to United. McTominay had a great first leg against Sevilla and his recent games made a compelling argument for him starting. In the end, Lingard, Alexis Sanchez and Fellaini failed to make an impact on the team and were frankly disappointing today.
Marouane Fellaini masterclass tonight. No questions about it. He's playing no games. pic.twitter.com/6RNqze6tIN
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) March 13, 2018
What Now For Sevilla?
This team is far from being Champions League contenders but an accessible Quarterfinals match up could see them squeaking into the Semifinals. Last year, Sevilla had a much better team that was capable of competing but they were knocked out by Leicester City. This time around, I think that Sevilla is a fun team to watch and, on their best days, they can go neck and neck with the likes of Barcelona or Real Madrid. However, I can’t see them eliminating teams like City, Bayern or even Liverpool.
Our dreams have come true in the Theatre of Dreams! #SevillaFC history is made in Manchester! pic.twitter.com/UsekzqnIHA
— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) March 13, 2018
What Now For United?
Well, they are still a work in progress. There’s a lot to be done inside the team including in the manager position. I do not think Mourinho’s tactics are what Manchester United need given the squad that they have. There’s many players that should not be getting the minutes that they’re getting and the board must be willing to spend in any position that needs improvement. The league is lost, FA Cup is gone and now Champions League too. A top 4 finish for United is within reach but that’s about it for this season. Time to start planning ahead for the upcoming summer and the changes that are coming.
Agree or disagree with me? Let me know!
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