Well, that was awkward.
48 hours ago, Manchester was going to dominate Europe. City were winning the Champions League, United were favourites for the Europa League, and English football was on top of the world.
Now? Oh well.
Within 24 hours of their rivals spaffing it against Lyon, it was United’s turn to choke on the big stage. Sevilla – who have already won the competition a record five times – will contest a sixth final, against either Inter or Shakhtar.
The Spanish side’s latest fairytale started as most fairytales do – with a big fat slice of adversity. The football world was stunned when Manchester United – who have won more penalties than any other team in Europe this season – won a penalty.
The football world was then sent into a state of crippling shock when Bruno Fernandes, who had a perfect record from his seven earlier penalties this season, scored that penalty.
Sevilla weren’t hanging about, however. They’ve won the Europa League more than any other team and were not going out without a fight.
Former Liverpool winger Suso starting up against inexperienced left-back Brandon Williams? What could go wrong?
The second half saw United kick things up a gear but there was one thing standing in their way – Sevilla keeper Yassine Bounou. The Morocco international was in no mood to let either Mason Greenwood or Anthony Martial add their names to the scoresheet.
…oh right, like the U2 song. Ha.
Anyway, Bono- Bounou’s resistance would eventually yield fruit. Substitute Luuk de Jong found himself on the end of Jesus Navas’ tempting cross, and, well, it would have been rude not to finish.
Pour one out for poor Marv here. We’ve all been there, mate…
It’s a tough one for United to take, but they’ll be back to do it all again…in about two weeks’ time.
As for Sevilla, well, it’s Inter or Shakhtar next Friday. They’re the Europa League’s cockroaches, and you wouldn’t dare bet against them.