Three positives from Manchester United draw with Sevilla and five negatives

Manchester United’s Europa League quarter-final first leg with Sevilla was a real mixed bag. Let’s dig into the positives and negatives from the 2-2 draw.

Positives

Casemiro returns: It was great to see Casemiro make his return to action. He also avoided a suspension, and he will really be needed in the second leg. The Brazilian looked a little rusty in possession at times, but this is to be expected after so long out. It’s great to see him back.

Anthony Martial looks bright: Anthony Martial was making his first start since January. With that in mind, Martial looked really impressive. He set up Manchester United’s second goal and his clever movement and touches was at the heart of the team’s good play in the first half.

Negatives

Erik ten Hag gets it wrong: Erik ten Hag’s 50th game was not one he will remember fondly. The manager made a rare mistake with his substitutions, simply making too many. Bringing on Anthony Elanga for Jadon Sancho did not work out, and it just felt like the manager got too complacent with so many changes and this rubbed off on the players.

Double injury blow: There are now question marks over the fitness of both Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. The latter could be a serious one which keeps him out all season. United do have defensive depth, an ability to cover. But Varane and Martinez are first choice for a reason.

Tyrell Malacia’s defending: Malacia had filled in well for Luke Shaw in recent games. But this was his worst match in a Manchester United shirt so far. He was at fault for Sevilla’s first goal, failing to clear a cross and then deflecting a shot in for an own goal. He fluffed an opportunity to score earlier in the game too.

Bruno Fernandes suspension: It was a ridiculous decision which saw Bruno Fernandes booked for a handball. Manchester United now have to live with it. The Portugal ace will be suspended for the second leg. He was substituted and the team missed his intensity.

Implications for FA Cup semi-final: The injuries are one reason to be worried for the FA Cup final, for which Harry Maguire is already suspended. Hopefully Varane may recover in time. The bigger worry is the battle the second leg against Sevilla will bring, days before the game at Wembley. At half-time, it had looked like the second leg might be a dead rubber, allowing United to ease up a bit. This won’t be the case, with two tough games next week against Sevilla and then Brighton.