Manchester United look to take a significant step towards the Europa League semi-finals as they host Sevilla at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag’s side have not lost at Old Trafford since September and it would be a big shock if that run came to an end tonight.
There is still the possibility that United finish the season with three trophies to their name, and they are favourites to go all the way in Europe this season. They will have to do so tonight without the injured Marcus Rashford, who has been the leading light at the club since the World Cup, but Casemiro and Anthony Martial both start for the hosts.
Sevilla are Europa League specialists, having won this competition more than any other club, but they have had a frustrating season to date and are on their third manager of the campaign. Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog below!
Live updates
Concern for Antony?
Bit of a worry for United, Antony has gone down the tunnel early.
Grimace on his face as he jogged off from the warm-ups. No news yet that there is a team news change, so will assume he is still starting for now.
Not long now!
Kick-off coming up in about 20 minutes.
United haven’t lost at Old Trafford since September, though that defeat did come in Europe and against Spanish opposition. Real Sociedad edged a narrow group-stage encounter.
A lot of time has passed since then though, and United are a much better side. Big favourites tonight.
History on Sevilla’s side
Sevilla have won this competition six times, making them by far the most successful side in Europa League history.
They went all the way at the end of 2019/20 season, beating Man United 2-1 on the way as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side lost their third semi-final of the campaign.
Look away now, United fans…
Back in town
Alex Telles back at Old Trafford tonight.
On loan at Sevilla, is eligible to face his parent club, but he’s only been named on the bench.
Joao Cancelo came on for Bayern Munich against Man City earlier this week and got very loudly booed. Imagine it will be a bit more pleasant for Telles should he be brought on.
Ten Hag gives Eriksen update
“He’s ready,” the United boss tells BT Sport.
“I want to do it really carefully and I have to say the midfield played really well against Brentford and Everton. Not really necessary to change a lot, so Scott [McTominay] drops out with an injury.
“Casemiro needs the minutes after some games out, so I think it’s logical to play this midfield.”
Ten Hag: We play our best football with Martial
Erik ten Hag was full of praise for Anthony Martial in his pre-match press conference, insisting Man United are a better team when he’s fit and available.
“The time he needs for a goal is less,” Ten Hag said.
“When he’s in the team, we play our best football and we have our best results as a team. I defend him because I point to the stats and see how he contributes.”
Casemiro returns!
Casemiro straight back into the United side as expected, partnering Fernandes with Sabitzer likely to play slightly more advanced. Martial also in for his first start in three months.
Otherwise as expected, with Wan-Bissaka and Malacia continuing at full-back, and Varane back in to partner Martinez.
Telles is on the bench for Sevilla against his parent club, along with Navas and Gil. Lamela starts on his return to England, with Rakitic lining up in midfield.
Sevilla team news
Sevilla XI: Bono, Montiel, Nianzou, Marcao, Acuna, Fernando, Gudelj, Rakitic, Ocampos, Torres, Lamela.
Subs: Dmitrovic, Alberto, Telles, Rekik, Suso, Mir, En-Nesyri, Navas, Gomez, Gil, Bade
Man United team news
Man United XI: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Malacia, Casemiro, Fernandes, Sabitzer, Antony, Sancho, Martial
Subs: Butland, Vitek, Dalot, Lindelof, Maguire, Eriksen, Fred, Iqbal, Elanga, Pellistri, Weghorst.
