In a shocking turn of events, Manchester United squandered their lead and drew 2-2 against Sevilla in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie.
The game saw both Harry Maguire and Tyrell Malacia put through their own goal, as Sevilla somehow managed to find a way back at Old Trafford.
The match began with a promising start for United, as Jadon Sancho fired past Sevilla keeper Bono within the first 30 seconds, only to be curtailed by a late offside flag.
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Despite this setback, United continued to push forward and Antony came close to scoring soon after, only to be denied by Bono’s expert save.
However, it was Marcel Sabitzer who put United in the lead with a first-half double, drilling past Bono on both occasions. United seemed to be in complete control of the game, but Sevilla refused to go down without a fight.
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Christian Eriksen’s 62nd-minute introduction after three months out injured came as United seemed set for victory, but Malacia’s own goal offered Sevilla hope. And they seized it in the closing stages as Youssef En-Nesyri’s header fortuitously deflected off Maguire and wrongfooted De Gea, resulting in a shocking draw for United.
Despite the disappointing result, United will have the chance to redeem themselves in the second leg, although Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side will boast home advantage in a week’s time as they eye a seventh Europa League title since the 2006-07 season.
United will need to regroup quickly and address their defensive weaknesses if they hope to progress to the next round of the competition.