Manchester United vs Sevilla FC, 1-2, Champions League, 13.03.18
- 6 years ago
Manchester United vs Sevilla FC
14 March 2018
Old Trafford
Full Time 1-2
Tactics gone haywire
Even Jose Mourinho's fiercest critics would grudgingly acknowledge the man is a tactical master, especially in the big games that matter.
Recent home victories against Liverpool and Chelsea have allowed United to stretch their lead over their rivals in the battle for the second spot in the Premiership despite their opponents dominating possession in both matches.
But tonight against a Sevilla side who had never before left these shores with a victory under their belts, he got it hopelessly wrong as the Spanish fifth-place team emerged with a comfortable 2-1 win to send the Reds crashing out of the Champions League.
Just why the two-time winner of Europe's premier competition decided to pair Marouane Fellaini alongside Nemanja Matic is a question only he can answer.
True, there appeared to be a strong emphasis on attack, but the whole set-up lacked any cohesion or direction as an almost languid approach to the contest allowed Sevilla to control possession.
In the opening period, a Fellaini drive was the only effort of note as the pressure mounted with no away goal to protect.
An improved start to the second period saw Jesse Lingard fire narrowly wide and it appeared things were turning in United's favour as Mourinho brought on Paul Pogba but they were suddenly rocked back on their heels.
Substitute Wissam Ben Yedder turned superbly to fire home giving the visitors a 74th-minute lead and the same player was on hand to turn home a corner via the crossbar to put the tie to bed.
Romelu Lukaku snatched a late consolation from a Rashford corner to give his side a consolation but the damage had been done.
A stunned Old Trafford has just witnessed a miserable capitulation and another failure this coming weekend against Brighton in the FA Cup and the self-acclaimed "Special One"will feel the heat, make no mistake about that.
Commentary by Lew Fink
14 March 2018
Old Trafford
Full Time 1-2
Tactics gone haywire
Even Jose Mourinho's fiercest critics would grudgingly acknowledge the man is a tactical master, especially in the big games that matter.
Recent home victories against Liverpool and Chelsea have allowed United to stretch their lead over their rivals in the battle for the second spot in the Premiership despite their opponents dominating possession in both matches.
But tonight against a Sevilla side who had never before left these shores with a victory under their belts, he got it hopelessly wrong as the Spanish fifth-place team emerged with a comfortable 2-1 win to send the Reds crashing out of the Champions League.
Just why the two-time winner of Europe's premier competition decided to pair Marouane Fellaini alongside Nemanja Matic is a question only he can answer.
True, there appeared to be a strong emphasis on attack, but the whole set-up lacked any cohesion or direction as an almost languid approach to the contest allowed Sevilla to control possession.
In the opening period, a Fellaini drive was the only effort of note as the pressure mounted with no away goal to protect.
An improved start to the second period saw Jesse Lingard fire narrowly wide and it appeared things were turning in United's favour as Mourinho brought on Paul Pogba but they were suddenly rocked back on their heels.
Substitute Wissam Ben Yedder turned superbly to fire home giving the visitors a 74th-minute lead and the same player was on hand to turn home a corner via the crossbar to put the tie to bed.
Romelu Lukaku snatched a late consolation from a Rashford corner to give his side a consolation but the damage had been done.
A stunned Old Trafford has just witnessed a miserable capitulation and another failure this coming weekend against Brighton in the FA Cup and the self-acclaimed "Special One"will feel the heat, make no mistake about that.
Commentary by Lew Fink