With ten minutes to play in the first leg at Old Trafford, Man United fans would have found it hard to believe that over the next 100 minutes of action, they would concede five consecutive goals and crash out of the Europa League.
Last night was nothing short of a disaster for Erik ten Hag's side. Hopes were certainly high for Man United fans, with the chance to add Europa League glory to their trophy cabinet looking like a real possibility before kick-0ff.
That hope faded quickly, after Harry Maguire and David De Gea gifted Sevilla's Youssef En-Nesyri a goal after just eight minutes on the clock.
Harry Maguire in the wars again 😬pic.twitter.com/DOSnXWBtrs
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) April 20, 2023
Lucas Ocampos looked like he had doubled the hosts lead just before half-time, but it was ruled out for offside, much to the relief of Man United.
In the second period, Sevilla started emphatically and did double their lead less than two minutes into the half through Loic Balde.
𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀 𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐈𝐓 𝟐-𝟎!
Loic Bade with the header!
Man United are in serious trouble now!#SEVMUN #UEL pic.twitter.com/0I7m4PvwzH
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) April 20, 2023
Man United's performance was summed up with the manner they conceded their third, a howler to say the least from David De Gea.
𝐖𝐨𝐰.
Another calamitous moment from David de Gea!
Sevilla 3-0 Manchester United!
𝐖𝐨𝐰.#SEVMUN | #UEL pic.twitter.com/b69tX4jB5c
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) April 20, 2023
Paul Scholes claims "Man United are a better team " than Sevilla
Despite crashing out of the competition in horrific fashion, Scholes rather bizarrely claimed that his former side are still the better team.
READ ALSO: Analysis: Manchester United's Achilles Heel Brutally Exposed Again During Sevilla Shambles
Speaking on BT Sport after the game, Paul Scholes said:
I still think Manchester United are a better team than these, but tonight they were out fought, out played. Lacked the ability to take the ball and so sloppy on the ball and a lack of aggression in their own play.
We have to give them (Sevilla) credit, they were absolutely brilliant , they could have beat any team tonight.
Scholes also highlighted Man United's injury list as one of the main reasons to their collapse in Seville.
It probably just goes to show when it comes to the bigger games, if they've got injuries, then the squad probably isn't strong enough. We missed Bruno (Fernandes) tonight. Bruno is one player who will take the ball, control the ball, control the play at times. He's been in fantastic form the last three or four weeks, he was a big miss.
Scholes' comments on United being better than Sevilla didn't go down well on Twitter, with a number of people taking to social media to share their opinions on his comments.
According to Paul Scholes Utd are a better team than Sevilla. Battered 3 nil........better team my arse🤣
— The Lad's Dad (@IanM_1970) April 20, 2023
English pundits arrogance still annoys me and one of the main reasons or maybe the only reason I love seeing their teams get pumped oot oh europe.
Sevilla just pumped Man U
Paul Scholes - ‘man United are still the better team’
How exactly? 😂😂
— Gaz (@garyjkennedy92) April 21, 2023
Paul Scholes “I still say Man Utd are a better team than Sevilla”. He just said that. Deluded or insane? You decide
— Simon Kirby ⭐️⭐️ (@sirichkirby) April 20, 2023
Ten Hag on Man United's collapse
The Man United manager admitted that his side's performance was "unacceptable" after the game.
Ten Hag said:
I have to acknowledge that it is the truth: it is hard, it is tough and it can’t be. It’s unacceptable
We have to learn. We have to start games better, more desire, passion, composure on the ball. And when we have a setback we have to deal with it and get back on the ball. We have to be better. It is not about the playing skills. It is about character. They had more willingness to win and that can’t be: I think it is unacceptable.
Man United can't afford to dwell on Thursday night's result any longer, with a game against Brighton in the FA Cup semifinal this weekend, and they will be eager to put things right after their shock performance.
Should Brighton beat the Red Devils at Wembley, Man United supporters will likely have to rethink their overall performance this season if they're to crash out of two competitions in a number of days.
SEE ALSO: Paul Scholes Slates 'Absolute Disaster' Manchester United After Sevilla Horrorshow
