Europa League: Manchester United draws Sevilla in Old Trafford

• Manchester United hosted Sevilla in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals
• Sevilla a force to reckon with in the Europa League found themselves two goals down at Old Trafford
• However, two late goals meant all is left to play in the second leg next week in Spain

Manchester United squandered a comfortable lead in a 2-2 draw against Sevilla in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final encounter, when Harry Maguire and Tyrell Malacia scored their own goals late on.

Captain Maguire deflected into his own net in the 92nd minute, just eight minutes after Malacia had turned past David de Gea as Sevilla clawed their way back into the quarter-final first leg at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag’s hosts appeared to be in complete control after a first-half double from Marcel Sabitzer, only for a late drama to leave United reeling by full-time.

In a week’s time, Jose Luis Mendilibar’s team will have home advantage as they seek their sixth Europa League triumph since the 2006-07 season.

With less than 30 seconds remaining, Jadon Sancho blasted past Sevilla keeper Bono, only to be denied by a late offside call.

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Soon after, a fine Bono save prevented Antony, but two minutes later, Bruno Fernandes found Sabitzer, whose strike deflected into the top-left corner.

Sabitzer scored his second goal only six minutes later, scooping onto Anthony Martial’s through-ball and blasting past Bono.

De Gea made an excellent save against a Tanguy Nianzou header from Ivan Rakitic’s corner to keep United’s lead intact at the break.

Antony came close again after the interval, first curling a shot wide and then smashing a similar effort off Bono’s right post.

Christian Eriksen came on in the 62nd minute after missing three months due to injury, but Malacia gave Sevilla hope by diverting Jesus Navas’ low cross into his own net.

The visitors then made an unexpected comeback in the final moments when Youssef En-Nesyri’s header deflected off Maguire and caught De Gea off guard.

Sevilla players celebrate after scoring the equaliser against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals at Old Trafford. | PHOTO: Evening Standard |

Sevilla Europa League record continues at Manchester United

United defeated Real Sociedad in the group stages and edged past La Liga leaders Barcelona in the first knockout round before comfortably dispatching Real Betis in the last 16.

Their impressive run against Spanish sides appeared all but certain to continue until the late drama, as Sevilla maintained their streak of never losing against United, with this their third European meeting.

With that record in the back of United’s minds at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium, Ten Hag will have to find a way past Mendilibar’s side, who will be buoyed with confidence following their late fightback.

After winning the EFL Cup and reaching the FA Cup semi-finals, United could have extended their lead several times in the second half, improving their chances of completing a trifecta.

But, after United became only the second English team, after Chelsea against Ten Hag’s Ajax in November 2019, to score two own goals in a single match in a major European game, Sevilla will be confident.