Manchester United’s defence has been called an ‘issue’ in their bid to rebuild following a ‘spineless’ performance at Sevilla.
Man United crashed out of the Europa League on Thursday night after Sevilla thrashed them 3-0 on Thursday and 5-2 on aggregate – leaving the Red Devils defence wanting.
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After throwing a 2-0 lead with two late own goals late in the first leg, Man United had hoped they could reach another semi-final after winning the Carabao Cup and reaching the FA Cup’ semi-finals.
But it wasn’t meant to be, as their mistakes cost them with Youssef En-Nesyri netting twice and ex-Nottingham Forest loanee Loic Bade scoring too.
It was a performance synonymous of a Man United of the not so distant past under previous underwhelming managers and talkSPORT’s Jason Cundy perfectly summarised how those in the away end in Spain must’ve been feeling.
“Well, I have to say that was one of the worst performances I’ve seen from an English side abroad in a long time,” the ex-Chelsea star said on talkSPORT’s Sports Bar following the game.
“They were an absolute disgrace all over the pitch. They must have gone into this game knowing how difficult it was.
“I know they’ve got injuries and suspensions but I’m sorry, whatever you do, go out and have a fight. You’re going into battle away at a club that clearly find themselves in a tie they should’ve been out of with ten minutes left at Old Trafford.
“They were still in the tie. That was gutless. That was spineless. Man United fans must be listening to this and feel embarrassed. I can’t remember a worse United performance away from home in a European competition.”
Cundy went on to explain that he thought Ten Hag needed to stop Sevilla carving through the midfield and called for Scott McTominay or Fred, but was left baffled when no substitutions were made until half-time.
But Cundy is convinced tonight shows Man United still have a way to go to bring back the glory days of dominating English and European football despite winning the Carabao Cup.
And this is something Man United boss Erik ten Hag admitted too, as he confessed his side’s defensive issues were clear as day during the humiliation in Seville.
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When asked by BT Sport after the game if it was just a one-off or a deeper problem, the Dutchman said: “No, it’s a problem. We can’t run away from it, we have to acknowledge it.
“But Sunday we have another opportunity to work on that. We have to step up and show more character, personality.”
There’s no rest for the Red Devils, as they face high-flying Brighton in the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday – live on talkSPORT – as they turn their focus to securing a different piece of silverware.