Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United is set to play a crucial Europa League quarter-final second leg against Sevilla. Although Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw have returned, the team is still facing a number of injury and suspension setbacks.
Lisandro Martinez, who fractured his metatarsal during the first leg, will miss the rest of the season, while Raphael Varane, who suffered an ankle injury during the last game, did not travel to Spain. In addition, Scott McTominay is out injured, and Bruno Fernandes will miss the game due to suspension.
Despite these absences, Manchester United has a talented squad that can help them overcome these challenges and come out victorious.
Bruno Fernandes has been a crucial player for Manchester United this season, playing in 49 of the team’s 51 matches. Despite a poor display against Liverpool last month, he has been one of Erik ten Hag’s most consistent players, excelling in both deep-lying midfield and attacking roles.
However, with Fernandes suspended for the crucial Europa League quarter-final second leg against Sevilla, Manchester United must find a way to cope without him. This raises the question of which returning players will be included in the line-up, and how they will replace Fernandes’ impact on the game.
In response to this selection dilemma, GOAL has suggested a team that can handle the pressure of playing at a packed Sanchez Pizjuan stadium and secure Manchester United’s place in the semi-finals.
GK: David de Gea
In the suggested line-up for Manchester United’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Sevilla, David de Gea is the chosen goalkeeper. Despite his limitations in terms of using his feet and passing out from the back, De Gea is undoubtedly United’s No. 1 goalkeeper.
De Gea has recently faced tests of his kicking ability against Real Betis and Newcastle, but he has not directly conceded a goal due to his kicking for some time, and has been in good form lately. He performed well in his last trip to Seville during the second leg against Betis, showcasing his ability to make jaw-dropping saves.
In a game as closely contested as this one, De Gea’s ability to make crucial saves will be essential to securing Manchester United’s place in the semi-finals.
RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been in excellent form for Manchester United for most of the 2023 season, making him an essential player for the team. He has proven to be a reliable defender, making it difficult for opposing players to get past him.
While he may not offer the attacking threat of Diogo Dalot, Wan-Bissaka provides the team with a level of security that is crucial in matches where Manchester United may be under pressure. In the upcoming Europa League quarter-final second leg against Sevilla, his solid defensive skills will be especially valuable to the team.
CB: Victor Lindelof
In the suggested line-up for Manchester United’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Sevilla, Victor Lindelof is the chosen player for the central defender position.
Lindelof made his first start in two months against Nottingham Forest, and his smooth performance has suggested that Erik ten Hag should consider using him more often. In that match, he was confident on the ball and demonstrated a calm demeanor under pressure, which is essential for a central defender.
While Lindelof may not be on the same level as Raphael Varane or Lisandro Martinez, he has proven that he can perform well when called upon. This upcoming match against Sevilla is an opportunity for him to demonstrate his worth and show that he is a valuable asset to the team.
CB: Luke Shaw
In the suggested line-up for Manchester United’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Sevilla, Erik ten Hag has chosen to use Luke Shaw as the central defender.
Ten Hag has utilized Shaw’s versatility by using him as a centre-back on a few occasions this season, and he has performed well each time. Given Harry Maguire’s struggles in the late stages of the first leg and his shaky performance in the first half against Nottingham Forest, it seems like a wise decision to make the most of Shaw’s versatility once again.
While centre-back is not Shaw’s natural position, he is currently a more reliable option than Maguire. Sevilla demonstrated in the first leg how quickly they can punish mistakes, and Maguire has been known to make errors. Choosing Shaw as a central defender minimizes the risk of costly mistakes and provides a better alternative for the team.
LB: Diogo Dalot
In the suggested line-up for Manchester United’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Sevilla, Erik ten Hag has chosen Diogo Dalot as his best option for left-back.
After excelling on the other side of defence at the City Ground, Dalot is expected to provide the attacking threat on the left flank. With Luke Shaw offering extra security in the centre, Dalot will have more freedom to push forward.
On the other hand, Tyrell Malacia had a poor performance in the first leg and is considered too much of a liability for a game of this nature. Dalot, on the other hand, should be brimming with confidence after his recent success, especially after linking up with Antony to score against Nottingham Forest.
CDM: Casemiro
Christian Eriksen’s experience and know-how in crunch European games are considered utterly vital in Manchester United’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Sevilla.
Although he was a bit off the pace in the first leg after his four-match suspension, Eriksen was reliable again in his recent game against Nottingham Forest. He formed a brilliant axis with Bruno Fernandes and played an instrumental role in the team’s success.
Given his pedigree, matches like this are what Eriksen was signed for, and his presence in the midfield could make all the difference for United.
CM: Christian Eriksen
