Manchester United host Sevilla in the first leg of their Europa League Quarter Final. Should United secure a heavy win at Old Trafford, it would require a less stressful second leg in Seville and allow them to navigate through the busy month with some rotation. Given Sevilla’s weak league form, leaving them a meagre 13th in La Liga with just 32 points from 29 games, United will know they can punish the Spanish side. Sevilla may be underwhelming in the league but are by no means pushovers. They have a lot of quality and have a knack in the Europa League. Manchester United have first hand experience in this following their loss to Sevilla in the semis in 2020. A match that spurred Los Nervionenses to win their record sixth Europa League title.

This will not be an easy tie regardless of form, especially with huge absentees for United, but they must progress as heavy favourites and avoid any more shock defeats from Spanish sides. Here’s all you need to know:

Manchester United vs Sevilla Match Information:

Teams: Manchester United and Sevilla
Date: Thursday 13th April 2023
KO Time: 20:00 GMT
Location: Old Trafford
Managers: Erik ten Hag and José Luis Mendilibar
Referee: Felix Zwayer

Manchester United Team News:

Manchester United will be without the services of Marcus Rashford. United’s top goalscorer came off against Everton with a, now confirmed, muscular injury that will see him miss “a few games”. This could mean Rashford misses both ties against Sevilla and will be hoping to be back for the FA Cup Semi-Final against Brighton next Sunday.

Luke Shaw is also out but Erik ten Hag has confirmed this is a less serious injury than those sustained by Garnacho and van de Beek who are also out. Scott McTominay was not spotted in training today but nothing has been confirmed.

Christian Eriksen returned against Everton and Casemiro is elligible to play in all competitions after serving a third domestic ban in 2023 alone. However if either he or Bruno are booked at Old Trafford, they will miss the away leg.

Interesting Facts:

• Manchester United have lost back to back games against Sevilla and remain cursed by being knocked out by Spanish opposition in their last five European campaigns in a row.
• Antony has scored in both home knockout games in the Europa League this campaign, both against Spanish sides. Both were the match winners as well!
• Bruno Fernandes is the only United player other than Marcus Rashford that has scored double digits this season. He has scored double digit goals for six straight seasons.

Manchester United Predicted XI vs Sevilla:

Manchester United will start as strong as they are able with an intent to do damage. I expect United will play Martinez and Varane at the back with Malacia and Dalot out wide. Casemiro should come in after missing four domestic games. Fernandes and Sabitzer should be allowed to continue their good form provided Eriksen is not ready to start. Antony and Sancho should start wide with a first start in three months for Anthony Martial.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia; Casemiro, Fernandes; Antony, Sabitzer, Sancho; Martial

Predicted Score

Sevilla have shipped three or more goals seven times already this season and have still looked complacent at the back even with a managerial change recently. United can clearly create chances but have to start converting them. It could be a long day if United can’t score early and would leave a lot to do in Spain should they not secure a confident margin. The players can rise to the challenge and I have confidence they will.

United to win 3-0