Man Utd player ratings: Marcel Sabitzer impresses at No. 10 but Tyrell Malacia struggles with crucial Europa League draw
MANCHESTER UNITED had a slew of good players before collapsing at Old Trafford on an eventful night.
Loaner Marcel Sabitzer will get most of the praise as his double set the tone for the Red Devils in the first half.
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The Austrian midfielder proved to be a fantastic starting XI for coach Erik Ten Hag, who was asked why Christian Eriksen wasn’t in the starting XI.
He played as the most advanced midfielder, with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro behind him, but mostly seemed to flourish in the wrong nine-position.
Bruno Fernandes ran close to him to be the night’s best player after providing a wonderful assist and controlling the game when United were in charge.
It was a great performance from United until they collapsed in the last 10 minutes of the game and conceded two goals, both own goals from Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire.
This is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Red Devils’ display.
David de Gea – 6
It was a solid performance at the net from the Spaniard whose wait to defeat Sevilla in eight attempts of his career continues.
He made a great save just before half-time to thwart Nianzou and was unable to do much against the Sevilla goals after two deflections from close range.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6th
Solid whenever needed, made some good sliding tackles and clearances.
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Well connected with Antony in forward gear, generally well positioned throughout the game. Handled well with Acuna on the right flank all game long.
Raphael Varane – 6
Performed well in the first half before being substituted for Harry Maguire through what appeared to be an injury.
The Frenchman was always confident, solid at the back and strong in the air when his team needed him. Would have rated higher if it wasn’t for his minutes.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Another great performance from the man they call ‘The Butcher’ in some parts of Manchester.
Nothing passed him by today and he was always reliable for Erik Ten Hag’s side. Great performance as he set up the defensive line and came in for Tyrell Malacia at times.
Unfortunately for him and United, he appeared to pick up a fairly serious injury and had to be substituted off in the second half.
Tyrell Malacia – 4
Malacia appeared to be the weakest of the United defense as they missed out on Luke Shaw through injury.
The youngster wasn’t tall and gave the ball away a few times. As for the own goal, he fell asleep at the back post and let Navas sneak behind to give Sevilla some hope.
Casemiro – 6
Another solid showing for United as they return to the Red Devils’ midfield.
Did his job and with his presence on the pitch everything seems so much calmer. Some nice passes up front but nothing special from the Brazilian.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
A brilliant performance from the Portuguese Magnifico, marred only by an unfortunate yellow card for handball on the edge of his own penalty area, which will see him miss the second leg in Spain.
His assist to Marcel Sabitzer’s first goal was a perfectly placed ball that split the defenders.
Substituting him for Christian Eriksen was a mistake by Erik Ten Hag.
Marcel Sabitzer – 9
Hardly made a mistake for United tonight and scored both goals for United.
Both were good left-footed finishers as he was often found in a false nine position rather than his usual midfield spot.
He almost got a brilliant backheel assist in the dying embers of the game too, but was let down by a poor finish.
Jadon Sancho-6
Thought he’d opened the scoring for United within thirty seconds but then wasn’t really able to influence the game.
Had a few good moments and occasionally showed off his brilliant footwork but lacked the end product.
Anthony – 8
Another of United’s better players tonight, he caused endless problems for Marcos Acuna down the right.
Deft, direct and packed with skill, he was unfortunately off the archway as he shook the woodwork with great effort on his wonderful left peg.
Anthony Martial – 7
Played really well for 60 minutes before coming on for Wout Weghost in the second half.
Marcel Sabitzer’s second goal gave him a wonderful assist and he looked dangerous every time he got the ball in the attacking third. Good in the build-up phase for the Red Devils too.
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Harry Maguire – 4 (HT)
Scored a very unfortunate own goal as Sevilla equalized late on. Failed to really bring the composure to the defense that Varane and Martinez did.
Christian Eriksen – 5 (62′)
Didn’t really impact the game or show the quality we know he’s in the closet. Bruno Fernandes controlled the game before Eriksen came on.
Wout Weghorst – 5 (62′)
Missed half a chance after good preliminary work by Marcel Sabitzer. The Dutch striker looked a step down from Anthony Martial in the first half.
Anthony Elanga – 5 (62′)
The game could not really be influenced.
Facundo Pellistri – 5 (81′)
Only played ten minutes and seemed full of energy down the right flank, creating a couple of half-chances but nothing concrete.