Manchester United predicted XI vs Sevilla (Europa League)

On Thursday evening, Manchester United visit Sevilla in an effort to improve on their recent record in European competitions.

The two clubs are even going into this game after United seized a two-goal lead in the first leg at Old Trafford thanks to a pair of goals from Marcel Sabitzer, but late own goals from Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire tied the score.

Last week at Old Trafford, Sevilla trailed Man United by a wide margin after the first 45 minutes. Sabitzer’s brace gave the Red Devils a 2-0 lead after the first 21 minutes, and it looked as though the English powerhouses would be claiming a commanding first-leg edge at that point.

Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez both sustained injuries on that night, with the latter’s keeping him out for the remainder of the season. United truly should have been out of the picture against Sevilla before the late own goals from Malacia and Maguire.

Erik ten Hag‘s squad is suffering injuries at the worst possible time of the season, but they will still be optimistic of defeating Sevilla on Thursday to advance to the final four.

United have had a habit of bouncing back quickly from disappointing results, though, and they were excellent in the Premier League on Sunday, recording a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest courtesy of goals from Antony and Diogo Dalot, with the result strengthening their grip on a top-four spot in the table.

Due to his recent improvements in performance and the lack of a better goalkeeper, Golden Glove hopeful David de Gea will no doubt continue to play in goal.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot will be starting as right-back and left-back respectively. There is a chance that either Tyrell Malacia or Luke Shaw start on the left but the probability is low given their recent returns from injuries – although the pair did travel to Spain.

The absence of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane will be helpful for Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, who will potentially play together in the heart of the defence for Thursday’s game in Spain. Luke Shaw could be used as a centre-back but will most probably start on the bench as he will be slowly eased into the starting lineup given his recent injury.

Bruno Fernandes unquestionably starts in the midfield. The position in which he would be deployed roles upon the inclusion Christian Eriksen or Marcel Sabitzer in the starting XI. If Sabitxer starts, Fernandes could be utilised in a deeper No. 8 role. If Eriksen starts alongside Casemiro, the Portuguese will definitely be used as a No. 10.

Given Fernandes’ form and the team’s lack of depth, Ten Hag will surely rely on him to create big chances and continue to function as his de facto captain in case Maguire is benched.

Jadon Sancho will likely start on the left wing. Even though Marcus Rashford is back and is included in the names on the list of the travelling squad, there is a fair chance that he will be on the bench.

Antony also seems an obvious starter due to his recent form. He did perform well against Nottingham, scoring one and assisting another; and was arguably United’s biggest threat.

After returning from injury, Anthony Martial is anticipated to start again up front. His holdup and linkup play is crucial to United’s offensive approach. It will be intriguing to observe his significance as United look to find a solution to improve their current goal-scoring form.

Predicted XI

De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Dalot, Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes, Antony, Martial, Sancho.