14 April 2023 , 04:30
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Peter Schmeichel said Manchester United players should be ‘embarrassed’ that they were held to a draw against Sevilla at Old Trafford.
United were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw against the Andalusian side, record six-time winners of the Europa League, despite taking a two-goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes. Marcel Sabitzer struck twice for Erik ten Hag’s side in a lightning opening.
But despite their first half display of dominance, United were sluggish after the break and suffered a nightmarish second half. Having already lost Raphael Varane to injury and Bruno Fernandes to a second leg suspension, there were own goals from Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire either side of a Lisandro Martinez injury.
The two late own goals turned the tie on its head a week before the second leg in Seville, but United may well be more concerned about a potential long-term injury layoff for Martinez. With Luke Shaw, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford also currently sidelined, boss Erik ten Hag is facing a mini injury crisis ahead of the game.
The club’s former goalkeeper Schmeichel ripped into Ten Hag’s side for how they lost the initiative in the tie, which is now firmly in the balance. The Dane pointed the finger at the club’s players for how they threw away the lead against Sevilla.
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“It's a fair enough result, the way that it developed in the second half,” Schmeichel explained on BBC Radio 5 Live after the match. “The players of Manchester United have missed a very good opportunity here.
Marcel Sabitzer scored twice for Man Utd but it wasn't enough to beat Sevilla at Old Trafford (AFP via Getty Images)Have Your Say! Do you agree with Schmeichel’s assessment of the match? Tell us what you think here.
“A few players today need to have a look at themselves and think about whether they are contributing to the team enough. There are a few players who should be embarrassed with their performances.”
Schmeichel continued: “De Gea played well, he made two fantastic saves, couldn't do anything about the goals. He kept Man United in the lead to no avail. Casemiro came back and played really well as well.
“The best player is the guy who scored two goals, Marcel Sabitzer was really good. His team-mates have let him down. he showed the way and they didn't catch on to it.”
Martial led the line in the absence of Marcus Rashford - with United now fearing an injury crisis (Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)The former Denmark international added: “It's 2-2 and as a Man United supporter, I'm really disappointed. This could and should have been a 5-0 win.”
United now face a tricky away trip to Sevilla as they look to keep their hopes of a Europa League title and treble of trophies this season alive, having already won the EFL Cup and being into the semi-finals of the FA Cup.