 |
| Photo credit - Mufc/Getty Images |
Manchester United welcomed Sevilla to Old Trafford for one of the most crucial games of the season thus far, with high hopes of progressing.
However, Two goals in 5minutes from Ben Yedder was more than enough to end the Champions League dream at The Theatre of Dreams.
Here are five matters arising from this unceremonious exit:
1.....AND FELLAINI RETURNED
José Mourinho's adopted son and panic button 'Oga' Fela, who had been out for almost 3 months returned and was thrown in straight into the starting XI .
It was painful to see the boss do this. A Matic - Fellaini 'collabo' against a fast, free flowing side like Sevilla? That was asking a Benz 4-Matic to race against a 'Keke-na-pep' (tricycle).
2. WHY CHANGE A WINNING TEAM? WHY?
Why José Mourinho decided to do what we call in Naija 'Try ya luck' on a crucial night like this remains a mystery.
A consistent team had just won 3 straight games with good displays in a new 4-3-3 formation. Why change a winning team when none in that team was injured or unfit?
 |
| Photo credit - Mufc/Getty Images |
Scott 'McTom-Tom' was sacrificed for 'Oga' Fela, Rashford was played on the right(his worst wing), Lingard spent most of the match in center midfield, Sanchez was played on the left......Moral of the story - there was no plan to win.
3. ENOUGH OF SANCHEZ ON THE LEFT
Against Sevilla, our own Marcus 'Rashidi-Yekini' who had just scored a brace from the left against Liverpool was placed in his worst position (Right wing) just to accommodate Sanchez.
 |
| Photo credit - Mufc/Getty Images |
Rashford's short shift to the left in the 2nd half brought United's first real threats from the left, and yielded the corner that led to the goal.
The competition for the left wing between Martial and Rashford has yielded 40 goals (23goals and 17assists)in all competitions this season. Why send Sanchez(who can play perfectly on the right) to destroy that while United's struggle on the right wing continues?
4. MOST CREATIVE BENCH
Against Sevilla, It appears José Mourinho had the most creative bench in a crucial game in United's history.
Pogba, Mata, Martial, and McTominay were on the bench while Fellaini and Lingard struggled on the pitch.
They probably have a very crucial game coming up in training this week because it's unlikely those players were being rested for Brighton and Hove Albion.
5. LUKAKU DESERVED HIS GOAL
As bad as things were, the only joy from the game was that our 'Striker-in-chief', Romelu 'Timaya' Lukaku scored a goal which he thoroughly deserved.
 |
| Photo credit - Mufc/Getty Images |
He was great on the pitch, the only bright spark in the team (apart from Rashford when he moved to the the left). He was unlucky not to add to his goal on the night, but 5 goals in his debut Champions League campaign is not a bad start.
IN THE END, United baked fresh cakes with victories over Liverpool and Chelsea and iced it with bitter-leaf paste. United gave Sevilla their first ever Champions League victory in England. Sad indeed.
UP NEXT, Brighton and Hove Albion.....Let's move on.
OPINION POLL
Who is to blame? The players' attitude or José Mourinho?
Let's have your thoughts.
GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED.