Manchester United host Sevilla this Thursday, April 13 in the Europa League quarter-final first leg.
With the first leg of the tie being held at Old Trafford, United must use it to their advantage. The fans will be well up for a European clash under the lights and will no doubt be roaring the Reds on with every touch.
A strong lead takes significant pressure off of the team for the second leg, which takes place exactly one week after Thursday’s match in Seville at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.
One concern for United is that Marcus Rashford is currently a doubt after he picked up a groin injury during Saturday’s clash with Everton. The issue forced Erik ten Hag to substitute the forward, who is United’s top goalscorer. He later confirmed that a scan would be needed to assess the extent of the injury.
The England international has contributed 28 goals in all competitions for the Reds this season, as well as 10 assists. He has featured in every game so far and has been absolutely pivotal to United’s campaign and form up to this point.
Without Rashford, the responsibility falls on the rest of the attackers. Anthony Martial returned from injury and scored the winning goal to round off a 2-0 victory against the Toffees last weekend, so he should be fit and capable enough to lead the line on Thursday.
How Seville fare heading into the tie
As for their opponents, Sevilla sit in 13th place in La Liga with just eight league wins to their name and 12 losses. The Spanish side recently relieved former manager Jorge Sampaoli of his duties and replaced him with Jose Luis Mendilibar.
On paper and given recent results, it should be a walk in the park for United. However, the Spaniards are the most successful club in Europa League history, having lifted the trophy six times since 2006.
