The UEFA Europa League is back in action with a round of quarterfinal matches this week, Manchester United welcome series winners Seville to Old Trafford in the first leg.
Manchester United have already made light work of two La Liga sides in the UEFA Europa League this season, knocking out Real Betis in the last 16 having already sent Spanish giants Barcelona packing in the round prior. They will look to do the same against a Sevilla side in relegation bother domestically, but who have dominated this competition for the last 20 years – they have won it six times since 2005-06.
It will be the fourth time that Man United and Sevilla have faced one another, and the Spanish side have never previously lost to the Premier League club, picking up two wins and a draw.
Manchester United vs Sevilla Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Sevilla have an excellent record against Manchester United in European competitions and have won two of the three matches played between the two teams, with the other team ending in a draw.
- Sevilla have won progressed from their last eight knockout games against English teams in European competitions, with their previous such defeat coming at the hands of Leicester City in the 2016-17 UEFA Champions League.
- Manchester United are the second time after Leeds United in the 2000-01 season to face four teams from the same country in European competitions in a single season.
- Sevilla are winless in their last 11 games away from home in Europe and have lost their last three such matches – their worst record in this regard since 2016.
- Bruno Fernandes has managed 13 goals and 14 assists in European competitions for Manchester United.
> Manchester United vs Sevilla historical statistics
Team News
Man United will be without the services of Marcus Rashford, who picked up a groin problem during the clash with Everton on Saturday. In an official statement, the Red Devils revealed that he will be missing for ‘a few games’, starting with the contest against Sevilla.
Luke Shaw is also out with a recent hamstring issue, while Donny van de Beek, Tom Heaton and Alejandro Garnacho remain on the treatment table.
The Red Devils will be boosted by the return of Casemiro, though, with the Brazilian available to play in Europe, and he has also now served his four-game domestic suspension; Christian Eriksen, meanwhile, made his return from an ankle injury against Everton on Saturday.
Anthony Martial has appeared off the bench in the team’s last two games and could now come into the XI at centre-forward as Rashford’s replacement, while Fred might replace Scott McTominay, who has been ruled out with an injury that he suffered in training.
As for Sevilla, Lucas Ocampos is back in the squad after being suspended in the league against Celta, but Joan Jordan and Jesus Manuel Corona are both injured, while Pape Cheikh is ineligible.
Alex Telles, who is on loan from Man United, is available to face his parent club, with the Brazil international potentially taking to the field against the team that pay his wages.
Head coach Mendilibar has big decisions to make all over the pitch, but Youssef En-Nesyri is set to lead the line, with the Morocco the team’s leading goalscorer this season with 14, including three in Europe.
Marcos Acuna was sent off against Celta in the league last time out but is available here, and he is expected to be given the nod over Telles at left-back for the visitors.
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Dalot, Varane, L Martinez, Malacia; Casemiro, Fred, Fernandes; Antony, Martial, Sancho
Sevilla possible starting lineup:
Bono; Montiel, Bade, Gudelj, Acuna; Fernando, Rakitic; Ocampos, Torres, Lamela; En-Nesyri
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Sevilla
> Manchester United vs Sevilla Live broadcast listings (TV, live streaming)
