How will United fare against Sevilla?

Wednesday 12 April 2023 07:00

Manchester United return to Europa League action later this week, with Sevilla the next Spanish opponents standing in our way.

United have already seen off two La Liga sides in the shape of Barcelona and Real Betis this season and we also played Real Sociedad during the competition's group stages. Jose Luis Mendilibar's men are set to arrive in Manchester tomorrow afternoon, ahead of our first-leg showdown at Old Trafford.

The Rojiblancos are currently 13th in the Spanish top-flight, with their recent form a hot topic of discussion among this week's Debate panel.

With midfield duo Casemiro and Christian Eriksen both available again, it would appear that Erik ten Hag has plenty of options to choose from, especially in midfield, compared to recent weeks.
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ESPN journalist Rob Dawson believes the Reds' might will prove too much for Sevilla, insisting that their league form perhaps serves as an indicator of what is to come.

“I think this is perhaps a very different Sevilla team to the one they face in the Europa League, compared to that 2018 UEFA Champions League tie as well,” he began.

“They are not doing particularly well, they are 13th in La Liga and they have won three of their last 10. You would expect United to go through and you would expect Erik ten Hag to pick a very strong team in both of those games, despite our hectic schedule.

“I would be amazed frankly if United didn't get through that tie and if you come through a tie against Barcelona, there isn't that much to fear is there?”
Samuel Luckhurst, of the Manchester Evening News, agreed with Dawson, stating that the Spanish top-flight isn't as strong as it was.

“The standard of La Liga seems to have diminished a fair bit over the last few years and that doesn't discredit anything United did against Barcelona because they were terrific across those two games and Barcelona are the champions-elect in La Liga,” he began.

“United are quite fortunate that the further ahead they get in the tournament, they seem to be playing weaker Spanish opposition. They made mincemeat of Real Betis here and should have won by a bigger margin.”
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Ten Hag's side are still competing in the Emirates FA Cup at the semi-final stage, while we are also in the hunt for a top-four finish in the Premier League too, with hopefully plenty more games to navigate to ensure a successful end to the campaign.

Danny Webber provided a likely insight into the thinking of United's players, stating: “I think the players internally focus on what's ahead of you.

“They will be thinking we have cup finals, every one of them and every single game we go out and perform and however we do it, we get the win.

“That's the most important thing because they are that close to winning more trophies and to finishing the season in Champions League spots. Now is where the focus needs to happen.”

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