Manchester United threw away a two-goal lead as own goals from Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire allowed Sevilla to snatch a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final at Old Trafford. Marcel Sabitzer had put United in control with a first-half double, but defensive errors in the closing stages left Erik ten Hag's side with work to do in Spain.
United dominated much of the match, with Sabitzer scoring twice inside the opening 21 minutes. The first came after a slick move involving Anthony Martial and Bruno Fernandes, while the second was a clinical finish on the counter-attack. However, the game changed after the hour mark when Ten Hag made a triple substitution, bringing on Wout Weghorst, Anthony Elanga and Christian Eriksen. Shortly after, Raphaël Varane was forced off with an injury, replaced by Harry Maguire.
Sevilla pulled one back in the 84th minute when Malacia misjudged a bouncing ball, allowing Jesús Navas to cross. The ball deflected off the Dutch full-back and past David de Gea. Deep into stoppage time, a cross from the right found Youssef En-Nesyri, whose header struck Maguire on the forehead and went in for another own goal, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling fans.
The result leaves United with a difficult task in the second leg, but Ten Hag will be concerned by the manner of the collapse. The manager's substitutions were questioned, and the injuries to Varane and Lisandro Martínez, who was carried off late on, add to the defensive crisis. United also lost Bruno Fernandes to a booking that rules him out of the second leg.
Despite the disappointment, United remain in contention for a treble of their own, having already won the Carabao Cup and facing Brighton in the FA Cup semi-finals. However, this performance highlighted the fragility of their squad depth, particularly in defence.
