Manchester United under pressure heading to the second leg of the Europa League


By Neo Poho

Manchester United head to the Spanish city of Seville knowing that a victory on the night will book their spot in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals on Thursday night against Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium.

The Red Devils will welcome back talisman Marcus Rashford after he missed out on the first leg last week at Old Trafford due to injury.

Tyrell Malacia, Marcel Sabitzer and Luke Shaw are also some of the players that are back in the United squad after missing out on the team's latest Premier League match against Nottingham Forest over the past weekend.

United will however, be without the services of Portuguese star Bruno Fernandes due to suspension and Scott McTominay due to injury.

Despite the absence of those key players and the lack of discipline at the back for United that saw Sevilla salvage a dramatic draw in the first leg, Erik Ten Hag believes his side can come out victorious in the tie.

Speaking at the press conference ahead of the encounter on Thursday night, Ten Hag said, "We need to go to Sevilla and focus on the game, if we can focus on the game then we can play the best game on the night and win."

The Dutch mentor furthermore alluded that if they can be organised and get their transitions correct, they will score goals that will win them the encounter.

With a lot still at stake in the tie, Ten Hag understands that such matches will not only require winning in the field of play, but through emotions too.

"The timing of emotions is important in big games, we must use emotions as a tool to have the edge over our opponents and execute our chances successfully.

I have the belief and confidence that Rashford will continue with his great form and win the game for us as he has often done when we need to win," Ten Hag added.

Meanwhile, Sevilla manager Jose Luis Mendilibar has reiterated his team is ready and willing to fight against a dangerous Manchester side.

Speaking at the press conference ahead of the clash, Mendilibar said, "It's going to be a tough game because currently we are tied at 50-50, yes we have the advantage of the fans that will help us as the 12th player and that's why we are confident of the victory."

The winner of the tie will meet either Juventus or Sporting Lisbon in a two legged semi-final on the 11th and 18th of May 2023.

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Football

Manchester United

UEFA Europa League

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