Champions League: De Gea saves United from loss in Sevilla
By Orri Benatar
Manchester United was held scoreless at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in the first leg of the Round of 16. They have David Dea Gea to thank for that.
That was a thrilling contest. I am being sarcastic of course. Mourinho’s philosophy reigned supreme again, with United unable to create any decent chances in the whole game. Minutes into the game, Paul Pogba came in for Ander Herrera, after being snubbed from the starting XI.
Pogba coming in for an injured Herrera. The saga gets crazier. #SevillaMUFC
— The Top Flight (@TheTopFlightFS) February 21, 2018
The moment of the game came in stoppage time of the first half. David De Gea, once again showcased his incredible goalkeeping ability with this fabulous save.
What a save from David De Gea against Sevilla. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/Y3x1Qf25dV
— RedMancunian (@RedMancunian) February 21, 2018
Fouls ruled with 34 between both sides. Sevilla was dominant in every phase at home by keeping their incredible home record intact. They have now lost just once at home in 36 matches.
Next: Willian's important to Conte and Chelsea
Sevilla 0-0 Man United Match Stats:
Sevilla | Stat | Manchester United |
| 0 | Goals | 0 |
| 56.7% | Possession | 43.3% |
| 422 | Pass Accuracy | 314 |
| 502 | Total Passes | 388 |
| 25 | Total Shots | 6 |
| 8 | Shots on Target | 1 |
| 12 | Corners | 4 |
| 9 | Tackles | 11 |
| 2 | Offsides | 1 |
| 12 | Fouls | 22 |
| 1 | Yellow Cards | 1 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
United need to wake up
Manchester United’s attack has some of the best players in the world. Jose Mourinho is continuing his tactical philosophy of parking the bus.
Man United should not be getting one shot on target the entire game. David De Gea continues to be the only reason this game ended 0-0. They will need to get back to attacking at Old Trafford in mid-March.
Mourinho football at its best right now. #ManUtd pic.twitter.com/FRcywJRJrZ
— The Top Flight (@TheTopFlightFS) February 21, 2018
Next: Spurs doubles up on FA Cup replays
What does this mean for the second leg (March 13)
The Red Devils come away as the only Premier League side to not score in the first leg. Leg 2 will come three days after Mourinho hosts Klopp in the Man U – Liverpool clash. Strategy going into that game and the Sevilla match will be crucial.
Mourinho on Pogba: “Pre-match I had 3 of 4 questions about Paul and he wasn’t even playing. I understand the question but if I was you I would ask about McTominay and he looked like a man with dozens of matches in CL. Paul gave a big effort to do what I asked of him.” #MUFC
— MUFC Scoop (@MUFCScoop) February 21, 2018
Mourinho will need to pick his best eleven to start, which is something he has struggled with recently. He will also have to change the match tactics, by attacking more and not putting so much pressure on De Gea to keep them in games.
Manchester United have a lot of work to do.