Sevilla sporting director Monchi believes Manchester United are the favourites following the Europa League draw pitting the six-time champions against Erik ten Hag's team.
Friday plotted out the potential path to May's final in Budapest, Hungary. A two-legged tie versus Seville's other top-flight side follows knocking out Real Betis in the round of 16, and, should United succeed in doing so once again, it is either Paul Pogba's Juventus or Sporting CP, who shocked Arsenal in the last round, that will stand between Ten Hag stands and another chance at a trophy.
United have not beaten Sevilla in their history of meetings in UEFA competitions. The Spanish side eliminated Jose Mourinho's side at this stage of the Champions League in 2018, repeating that result in the Europa League semi-final two years later.
READ MORE: Ten Hag reacts to Sevilla draw in Europa League
Despite recent history being in their favour, Monchi is more than willing to dub their opponents the favourites. "If you ask me if there is a favourite, it is Manchester [United]," he told the Spanish national newspaper Mundo Deportivo.
"We have to recover injured players, and, with that, we will increase competitiveness. A team that has won six Europa League has also done so from suffering and with difficult matches. No one has to show us the way."
"The reference is not to the Betis match or any team but to know the [United] squad, which is tremendous. There were also differences in other ties we have lived through these years, and we could overcome them. We must always go with optimism."
Monchi continued to praise the United squad. "You must have insurance, but they are not easy to find. I highlight their quality and their tremendous physical strength. It is a squad that has taken time to become known, but now, it is in the top ten of European football."
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