Sevilla 2-1 Manchester United: Hits and flops as Luuk De Jong fires Spanish giants into their sixth final | Europa League 2019-20

Sevilla struck late to send Manchester United packing and storm into another European final
Sevilla struck late to send Manchester United packing and storm into another European final

Sevilla marched on to their sixth UEFA Europa League final after ousting Manchester United in a tightly contested 2-1 win on Sunday night.

Luuk De Jong scored the winner in the 78th minute to break Red Devils' hearts as Los Palanganas will now face either Inter Milan or Shakhtar Donetsk in the final showpiece in Cologne on Friday.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men were more threatening and creative than their opponents but they lacked the cutting edge to kill off chances.

Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring from the spot in the ninth minute before Suso restored parity just before the half-hour mark.

The second half witnessed both teams cancel each other out for large spells, with the Red Devils particularly missing some good chances. Ultimately, De Jong struck the winner just over 10 minutes from time after some lax defending.

Here are the hits and flops from Manchester United's defeat to Sevilla:

Hit: Sevilla's full-backs

Sergio Reguilon (right) continued his fine spell with Sevilla
Sergio Reguilon (right) continued his fine spell with Sevilla

One of the biggest factors in Sevilla's highly successful campaign this term is the impact that the marauding full-backs have had on the proceedings and last night, both Jesus Navas and Sergio Reguilon were involved in both goals.

The pair's relentless runs down the flanks were crucial in stretching out Manchester United and creating spaces for the forwards to run into. One such move saw Reguilon scythe down the left flank and lay off for Suso, who also scored an absolute thunderbolt.

Another such example was when Navas sent a delicious ball in for De Jong to tap home from close range in the second half.

Flop: Marcus Rashford

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford couldn't find his feet against Sevilla
Manchester United's Marcus Rashford couldn't find his feet against Sevilla

It was one of those nights where nothing broke for the prolific Manchester United forward. Starting on the left side, Marcus Rashford tried his damnedest to produce something for his side but struggled throughout the game.

Every time he found himself in possession, there was a white shirt in front of him to ward off his threat. Rashford was all boxed up on the flanks, forcing him to try his luck from range, but to no avail.

The striker seemed to have left his attacking boots at home as he attempted four shots, out of which only one was on target.

Hit: Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes dispatched another penalty but wasn't enough to take United into the final
Bruno Fernandes dispatched another penalty but wasn't enough to take United into the final

Bruno Fernandes, like his attacking cohorts, was kept at arm's length by the stoic Sevilla but he did manage to convert a spot-kick that briefly put Manchester United in the driving seat.

The midfielder dispatched the penalty in his trademark style, hopping just before making contact with the ball and sending it in the top-left corner for his 11th goal since joining the team in January.

It's a shame that his whirlwind start to life as a Red Devil ended not with a bang but with a whimper, while his altercation with Victor Lindelof in the aftermath of Sevilla's second goal is what the enduring image of his night will be.

Flop: United's marking

Manchester United were so lax that Fernandez was incensed
Manchester United were so lax that Fernandez was incensed

Manchester United were good for the vast majority of the match but must be kicking themselves for cheaply conceding so late.

The man-marking in the build-up to the winning goal was simply abysmal. As the cross was played in by Jesus Navas, neither Harry Maguire nor Aaron Wan-Bissaka bothered to close in on Luuk De Jong, who was lurking right in between the two.

The latter, especially, stood blank. He had the Dutchman in front of him, but neither informed his team-mates nor challenged him for the ball, playing Nero's guest as De Jong comfortably tapped home the winner.

The Red Devils have only themselves to blame for the loss.

Hit: Yassine Buono

Yassine Bounou was a bulwark at the back for Sevilla
Yassine Bounou was a bulwark at the back for Sevilla

Manchester United were the more offensive side on the night, throwing the kitchen sink at Sevilla with high-pressing and relentless shooting. What prevented them from finding the back of the net though was Yassine Bounou, who had a night to remember.

The Morocco international stood tall in the face of the onslaught, making six saves to frustrate Rashford and co.

Buono commanded his area with great authority and even though he could do nothing about the penalty, he was unbeatable from open play and put in a memorable shift to foil Manchester United.

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Edited by Rachel Syiemlieh
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