An anomaly of a result. My thoughts.
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✅ When I predicted a United win, I didn't dream of such a starting XI from José, and this loss is on him. He lost it from the bench. Negative looking lineup gave Sevilla confidence.
✅ It worked against Chelsea two weeks ago. It worked against Liverpool on Saturday. But this is a Champions League tie. European teams don't conform to such tactics, and that's common knowledge.
✅ Make no mistake, this result is a classic punch-above-your-weight win for Sevilla. They are not as good as this United team, but they definitely showed more desire. And it got them a win. Congrats.
✅ Sevilla wrestled the midfield. Banega and N'Zonzi were the key. United couldn't match their grit, nor have their composure. Lenglet did a job on Rashford, too.
✅ Mourinho says: “We had chances and they did, too. But they scored.” That is rubbish. United came to life only after 0-2. And I'm not talking about during this game, but the entire 180 minutes in the first and second legs.
✅ United had four shots on target in 180 minutes against a team who have conceded 42 league goals this season and 12 in six Champions League group games. You cannot be a United fan and accept this.
✅ I've asked this question four times on this page and I repeat: what does Alexís do at United? I honestly don't know.
✅ Montella got it spot on and must be given credit. His two subs were inspired. Ben Yedder continues to show his hunger. Can Sevilla keep him?
✅ Big shout to Correa. He was dangerous in the first leg, and his trickery was decisive tonight, especially as he peeled past Ashley Young to give Yedder the ball for Sevilla's first.
✅ Just heard José say this on DStv in the post match presser: "I've sat in this chair twice before with Porto, Manchester United out and Real Madrid, [we kicked] Manchester United out, so I don't think it's anything new for the club."
I am speechless. He doesn't know Man United is bigger than he is, eh?
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Thoughts?