De Gea: Sevilla are a different beast in Europe
David De Gea believes the strength and depth of Manchester United's squad will compensate for the absence of top scorer Marcus Rashford on Thursday evening, when the Reds take on Sevilla at Old Trafford.
Earlier this week, a club statement confirmed the in-form forward would miss "a few games" after acquiring an injury in the Premier League win over Everton.
But ahead of the Europea League quarter-final first leg against Sevilla, De Gea struck a confident tone, explaining how the return of Anthony Martial – plus the impact shown by substitutes in many games – can help us overcome Rashford's absence.
Read our full interview with United's no.1 below, as part of your build-up to tonight's big game in M16...
De Gea: Martial's a top player Video
De Gea: Martial's a top player
David De Gea is backing one Red in particular to fill the gap left by the injured Marcus Rashford…
David, it's another Europa League tie against another Spanish side. How much do you know about Sevilla this season and what different challenges will they pose to the other Spanish sides we've faced?
“I saw them a bit. It's another Spanish team coming to Old Trafford. I think they are struggling a bit in La Liga this season but we know how they play in the Europa League. I think they won it many times already and it's going to be a very tough game. They are physical players, they are tough players. [It's a] good team, I don't know why they are struggling in La Liga, but it's going to be a very tough match.”
It is a surprise to see their struggles, but their history in the competition is so rich. Do they still feel like the team to beat?
“Yeah, of course, because they won the competition already on some occasions, and when it looks like they cannot win, they win it anyway. So that is how they do it. It doesn't matter how they are doing in the league: in the European games they change and they put everything [out] there and they win big games. So we have to be very ready to play against them and play a great game to beat them.”
We'll have to play without Marcus Rashford for the home game. How much of a miss will he be after scoring in both of those matches against Betis?
“Yeah, for sure he's going to be a big miss. He's been brilliant all season, scoring important goals for us. But I think we showed already [with] people coming from the bench in nearly every game, they make an impact. We have a big squad, good players in front, so it doesn't matter who is going to play there, in that position, [everyone] is going to do a good job for sure.”
Anthony Martial is another one back in contention and back amongst the goals as well. It's great to see him scoring. Do you think this is his opportunity to step up and show everybody that we know he's got all those skills?
“I hope so. We know what he is capable to do on the pitch. It's so good. When he is fit and he is ready to play, he's a top player. He can dribble, he can score, he can assist, so for sure he will be a big player for us.”
Ten Hag and De Gea's press conference Video
Ten Hag and De Gea's press conference
Press conference | See how Erik ten Hag and David De Gea answered questions from the media ahead of matchday...
At Old Trafford, our home record has been so good. But on these European nights it becomes more special. Do you sense that as a player?
“Yeah. Any game is special at Old Trafford, but probably in the European games at night with the fans there the atmosphere is a bit different and even better. So yeah, they give us more energy, more passion and it is easier to beat teams when the fans are with you and the way they are in European games is special.”
What would you say to all those fans coming to the game today?
“It's always keep, keep supporting the team. Thank you for the support. It's always great and hopefully we can give them more good goals, more winnings at home and you can enjoy as much as we do.”
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