Europa League: Sevilla expose Manchester United frailties

Europa League kings Sevilla on Thursday dashed Manchester United’s hopes of a cup treble in a dominant 3-0 win that again exposed the English Premier League team’s frailty in temperament which was laid bare in the first-leg meltdown at Old Trafford last week.

In the raucous atmosphere of the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville, United conceded an early goal through a horrible misjudgment by Harry Maguire and David De Gea and never recovered.

Europa League kings Sevilla on Thursday dashed Manchester United’s hopes of a cup treble in a dominant 3-0 win that again exposed the English Premier League team’s frailty in temperament which was laid bare in the first-leg meltdown at Old Trafford last week.

In the raucous atmosphere of the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville, United conceded an early goal through a horrible misjudgment by Harry Maguire and David De Gea and never recovered.

United manager Erik ten Hag said his players lacked the passion to win.

“It’s not about playing skills. It is about character, desire and passion. They had more willingness to win. It’s unacceptable,” the Dutchman said.

“When you make such mistakes it’s difficult to win a football game,” he added. “Tonight (Thursday) we weren’t ready for the game and that cannot be. This is a great occasion and opportunity to win something and we gave it away. We have to blame ourselves.”

Truth be told, United squandered their grip on the quarter finals in the first leg itself. They had dominated the game for much of the first 75-odd minutes and should have scored more than the two they pumped in. But in an inexplicable meltdown, they let their Spanish opponents climb off the precipice with two late own goals.

The loss will hurt United, especially after having previously beaten Barcelona in the run-up to the quarter finals.

United manager Erik ten Hag said his players lacked the passion to win.

“It’s not about playing skills. It is about character, desire and passion. They had more willingness to win. It’s unacceptable,” the Dutchman said.

“When you make such mistakes it’s difficult to win a football game,” he added. “Tonight (Thursday) we weren’t ready for the game and that cannot be. This is a great occasion and opportunity to win something and we gave it away. We have to blame ourselves.”

Truth be told, United squandered their grip on the quarter finals in the first leg itself. They had dominated the game for much of the first 75-odd minutes and should have scored more than the two they pumped in. But in an inexplicable meltdown, they let their Spanish opponents climb off the precipice with two late own goals.

The loss will hurt United, especially after having previously beaten Barcelona in the run-up to the quarter finals.