Manchester United 1-2 Sevilla (Aggregate 1-2): 5 Talking Points

#4 Steven Nzonzi > Marouane Fellaini + Nemanja Matic

Steven Nzonzi bossed the midfield against United

In a defensive midfield battle between Steven Nzonzi and the duo of Marouane Fellaini and Nemanja Matic, not many would've favoured the Frenchman to emerge victorious before the start of the game.

Stunningly, though, man-of-the-match Nzonzi proved to be just the bulwark Sevilla needed as he successfully kept Manchester United's attackers at bay. For context, consider this: Matic had 74 touches of the ball all game, while Fellaini managed 42. Nzonzi had 105.

In terms of passing, Nzonzi made 94 passes, as compared to Matic's 61 and Fellaini's 29. Now, I'm no mathematician, but according to my calculations, that's more than both of theirs combined. Further, he also won 7 aerial duels and made 2 tackles, while also mustering a shot.

In a game where United needed to be at their attacking best, Nzonzi's performance was truly a question directed right at Jose Mourinho - "Why play two defensive midfielders when one can more than do the job?"