Erik ten Hag felt Manchester United lost the “rhythm of the game” after yet more injury concerns in the 2-2 draw with Sevilla at Old Trafford.
The hosts were in complete control of the first leg of the quarter-final tie with barely 20 minutes on the clock, as first Bruno Fernandes and then Anthony Martial provided assists for Marcel Sabitzer to net an early brace.
Antony struck the woodwork as United pushed, unsuccessfully, for a third goal, and there were frustrations beyond that too as Fernandes picked up a harsh yellow card to leave him suspended for the second leg, while Raphael Varane went off injured at half-time.
Sevilla struck twice late on to level the tie up, own goals coming from Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire, but the bigger concern was Lisandro Martinez going down off the ball with what appeared to be a serious injury.
Although United will still be confident of getting the job done in the second leg, they will travel to Spain next week with depleted ranks and Ten Hag was left frustrated with the misfortune suffered by his side.
“With the injuries we lose the rhythm of the game,” Ten Hag told BT Sport.
“We had to make some subs with injuries, like Rapha at half-time. Also Anthony Martial, we had to sub him because it’s his first start. Antony as well and Bruno, because they were [risks] for a second booking.
“Then we lose control, unlucky moments and then another one with Licha Martinez. Then we are with ten. We conceded two own goals. Bad luck, we have to deal with it. We have to learn to kill the game.”
He added: “With Licha Martinez, he drops out after a moment where there was no opponent. It doesn’t look that great. We have to wait. I can’t say in this moment, same with Rapha. It’s an injury complaint [he’s had] over the last couple of weeks, so we have to see how it is now.”
