“That was a disaster!” mockery and derision for Manchester United

The result of a poor performance including bungling own mistakes was a 0: 3 on Thursday at FC Sevilla. While the Spaniards were getting closer to their fifth triumph in the second most important football European Cup competition, there was ridicule and scorn for Marcel Sabitzer and Co. after the quarter-final out. “It was a disaster,” wrote the tabloid The Sun.

The “Independent” read: “Manchester United’s disastrous evening for the disaster couple”. This meant captain Harry Maguire, who started Youssef En-Nesyri’s early 0-1 lead by losing the ball (8th), and goalie David de Gea, who made a bad mistake with his foot before En-Nesyri’s second goal when trying to clear (81st minute). .).

In between, Loic Bade scored (47th), but the goalkeeper didn’t look good there either. “When you make mistakes like that, it’s hard to win a football game. Mistakes like that shouldn’t happen at this level,” said coach Erik ten Hag.

lack of passion

But that was just one of several points of criticism that the Dutchman brought up. “Seville showed more passion and will to win, that’s unacceptable,” stressed Ten Hag. The 53-year-old was quite contrite. “It was a big opportunity, a quarter-finals in Europe. A great opportunity to win something. And we’re giving it away. It’s our own fault.”

But that didn’t just apply to the second leg. Already in the first leg at Old Trafford Stadium, the English had carelessly given up a 2-0 lead. After Sabitzer’s brace, it was only a meager 2:2 after two own goals in the final phase.

This is one of the reasons why the “Guardian” commented: “History repeats itself: the first time as a tragedy, the second as a farce.”

“Expect a higher standard from United”

In contrast to last week, Sabitzer, who recovered in time, was not able to put his stamp on the game until the substitution in the 68th minute. However, none of the players on his team managed to do that. However, there is no time to mope. On Sunday at London’s Wembley Stadium against Brighton & Hove Albion it’s about getting into the FA Cup final, which could lead to a Manchester derby. Champions Man City will face second division side Sheffield United as favorites on Saturday.

United midfielder Christian Eriksen looked forward to the cup game after a “bad day”. “It’s a big disappointment but there’s another important game in three days and I’m sure we’ll be ready for it. We want to prove we can do better and give something back to the fans and the club.”

Ten Hag hopes so too. “Everyone can expect a higher standard from Manchester United. We have to present ourselves better,” demanded the coach, who, after triumphing in the League Cup at the end of February, also wants to lift the trophy in the FA Cup.

European Cup perspective

Seville, on the other hand, can only save a weak season in Europe. The 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2020 Europa League champions surpassed themselves in their favorite competition thanks in part to the support of their home fans. In the league, the Spaniards are only 13th in the table, a European Cup starting place for the coming season can only be achieved with the European Cup triumph.

“It was a dream night for all of us. The match was almost perfect. After a difficult year, everyone deserved it,” said Sevilla offensive player Lucas Ocampos.

His team fights on 11./18. May against Juventus for the final. Before the 1-1 draw at Sporting Lisbon, the tournament received the good news that the 15-point penalty in the league had been temporarily annulled. “That’s good news. Now we’re responsible. We want to finish in the top four in the league,” said Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri. His third-placed team will challenge leaders SSC Napoli in Serie A on Sunday. In the second Europa League semi-final, Salzburg conquerors AS Roma, who knocked out Gernot Trauner Club Feyenoord Rotterdam in extra time on Thursday, meets Bayer Leverkusen.