In the absence of brass star Casemiro (suspended for four games), Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag has changed his midfield slightly.
Traditional tian Bruno Fernandes has been more sedentary, a sort of variation on a quarterback, while Marcel Sabitzer has been given a more advanced role.
So also tonight when Casemiro was back, in the first quarter-final meeting against Sevilla.
It paid dividends.
After 14 minutes Bruno Fernandes found Sabitzer with an excellent pass and it was 1-0.
Seven minutes later it was time again. Anthony Martial, making his first start since January, produced a delicious ball to a deep-running Sabitzer who rolled in his and United’s second of the day.
2-0 and most Europa League champions Sevilla were really in trouble. They managed to create a great chance on a corner in the final stages of the half, but then David De Gea and then Raphaël Varane were in the way.
Both centre-backs injured
The second half only heated up after the hour mark when United countered and a red-hot Antony hit the crossbar. Then it was time for Anthony Elanga to enter the field.
But then the fun ended for the home team. A misjudgment by left-back Tyrell Malacia gave Sevilla the chance to make it 1-2 when Jesús Nava’s cross went into the net via the Dutchman.
With a seemingly safe victory in the bag, ten Hag had taken the opportunity to air the squad. So when centre-back Lisandro Martínez appeared to pull his hamstring, United had to finish with ten men on the pitch, as all the substitutions had been made.
Double own goal
Sevilla saw their chance, pressed and would get another goal, and it was once again through United players. Youssef En-Nesyri went wide and managed to get the ball into the goal after his misdirected header hit Harry Maguire in the head. Maguire who replaced Varane, who was also injured, at half-time.
2–2 and completely wide open before the return meeting in Seville.
Then Lisandro Martínez will not be on the plane. Nor Bruno Fernandes, who is suspended for too many yellow cards.