Six reasons Manchester United lost to Sevilla

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It is the morning after the night before. And Manchester United’s season is over.

A 2-1 win for Sevilla puts United out of Europe, and the inquest into why it happened begins.

So let’s dive in. Here is a look at six reasons why Manchester United lost the Europa League semi-final…

Poor finishing

For the second game in a row, United failed to score from open play, requiring a penalty to break the opposition down.

Sevilla’s goalkeeper Bono played well, as did FC Copenhagen’s in the last round, but it should not be this hard. United’s wastefulness helped make him look good.

United had 20 shots at goal to Sevilla’s nine and failed to make periods of dominance count.

When you are on top you have to score goals or you will pay for it, and that was the case here. United’s players will be replaying the chances in the heads all week.

Rio Ferdinand summed it up with his tweet after the defeat.

Bad defending

Harry Maguire was poorly positioned for both goals and should have cut out the cross for Sevilla’s first.

Victor Lindelof was mainly at fault for Sevilla’s second as he lost striker Luuk de Jong, who did not waste his chance.

Brandon Williams lost Suso for Sevilla’s first, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka did not have his best night either.

Switching off at key moments cost United, and it felt inevitable after the missed chances at the other end.

Sevilla’s experience

While United faltered in front of goal, Sevilla were ruthless with the opportunities they did have.

They did not panic when United were on top or when they went behind.

Sevilla are a strong team as seen by their previous record in the Europa League.

Manager Julien Lopetegui made the changes when required to influence the game, and his know how certainly showed.

United’s inexperience at this level combined with Sevilla’s experience gave the Spaniards an edge, and it showed.

Substitutes

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer waited until the 86th minute to throw players on. It was too late.

You can argue United lack game changers from the bench and that is totally fair.

Solskjaer once again showed he does not have faith in his attacking back-ups, viewing them as a downgrade.

But tactically there could have been something he could have done. Marcus Rashford was not playing well, and could have given way for Juan Mata.

Nemanja Matic could have replaced Fred with 20 minutes to go to give United more control in midfield. Usually this was a change Solskjaer would have made.

On this occasion he hesitated and trusted the XI he sent out, and United paid the price.

Fatigue

If you want to look deeper beyond wastefulness in front of goal and switching off defensively, then you have to ask, ‘why?’.

Harry Maguire was playing his 54th game of the season in defence, while teenager Brandon Williams was making his 36th appearance.

This has been a long season, which has only finally come to an end. And there is a concern that we will not get adequate rest for next season either.

It is important United sign players and add depth to the squad, because there is an imbalance at present, with a core group of players featuring in 90 per cent of matches, creating extra fatigue.

United threw everything we had at Sevilla in the first 15 minutes of the second half, and in the stretch after that, tiredness began to show.

Bad decisions

While in the main, Manchester United should look at themselves for this loss, the officials were also at fault here.

Diego Carlos could easily have been sent off in the first half, which would have changed the game.

Sevilla’s first goal came right after a throw-in incorrectly awarded to them when it should have been United’s.

United should also have had a second penalty late in the first half when Bruno Fernandes was fouled inside the area.

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