Erik ten Hag has suggested Manchester United were hit with bad luck in the closing stages of last week’s Europa League clash.
It was the first leg of the Red Devils’ Europa League quarter-final against Sevilla at Old Trafford last Thursday, with the second leg scheduled for 8pm tonight.
United led 2-0 in the opening 21 minutes of the tie thanks to a brace from on-loan Marcel Sabitzer, who netted two spectacular finishes in close proximity. The Reds then continued to control the game but were unable to find the back of the net again, and a third would’ve had them in cruise control.
In the closing stages of the game, dominance switched over to the Spaniards, who were putting sustained pressure on Erik ten Hag’s side. Things eventually went in their favour too, as own goals from Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire in the final minutes drew the tie level at 2-2, leaving it all to play for in Seville.
Ten Hag reflects on reverse fixture
When quizzed on the unfortunate ending to the match, Ten Hag responded (via the club website): “We also said after that we had to look in the mirror, but also it was bad luck as well. In the end with 10 [men], we conceded the goal. It was, I think, a really unlucky goal. It was a deflected goal, but it is what it is. You can do nothing for it, the only thing you can change is the future. That’s tomorrow, so we have to be ready for that game.”
