Manchester United set to be without key player for crucial return leg

Manchester United set to be without key player for crucial return leg

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 08:36 - 14.04.2023

Manchester United will have to navigate a cruicial return leg against Sevilla in Spain without one of the club’s most important players.

Marcel Sabitzer scored twice for Manchester United in the first half but despite coasting for most of the game, the Red Devils switched off and allowed Sevilla grow into the game. 

Two goals in the final 10 minutes were enough to tie the game and make the second leg in Spain hugely interesting.

Manchester United will be without Bruno Fernandes for second leg

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes

The Red Devils were held to a 2-2 draw after taking a comfortable two-goal lead in the first half thanks to a brace from Marcel Sabitzer

However, Sevilla rallied and cancelled out the lead thanks to the help of two late own goals from Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire. 

The result gives the Spanish side a chance of advancing to the Semifinals in front of their home fans. 

Fernandes however will be unavailable for that game at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan after picking up a controversial booking for a handball in the first half of the game.

United also lost center-back duo Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez who were both substituted with injuries and will likely be without Marcus Rashford for the return leg as well as he recovers from injury.

More on United's injury situation

Lisandro Martinez was carried off after sustaining what seems to be a serious injury, forcing United to finish the game with ten men.

Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez carried off after sustaining an injury

Martinez, who has become a firm fan favourite since joining from Ajax last summer, was running with the ball towards the end of the game but suddenly went down under no pressure and began clutching the back of his right foot and ankle.

Manchester United will hope the injury to their key defender is not serious as they navigate a tough run of games in the coming weeks.

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