Europa League: Erik Ten Hag blasts 'unacceptable' Manchester United players after Sevilla thrashing

Seville: Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag said his players lacked passion and desire in their 3-0 thrashing by Sevilla in the Europa League on Thursday. “Tonight we weren’t good enough, that was obvious, that was clear,” Ten Hag told reporters. “I have to acknowledge (the lack of fight), it’s the truth, it’s hard, it’s tough, it’s unacceptable.” After a 2-2 quarter final first leg draw at Old Trafford the Red Devils were soundly thumped at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. Home fans created a raucous atmosphere. Once Youssef En-Nesyri scored after seven minutes following a Harry Maguire error, the visitors never looked like getting back into the game.

Loic Bade headed home early in the second half and En-Nesyri added another after a David de Gea mistake.

Despite Sevilla’s struggles in LaLiga, sitting 13th and still not safe from the threat of relegation, the Andalusians outfought and outplayed Manchester United, third in the Premier League. Manchester United failed to trouble Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, with a Casemiro effort from distance as close as they came. “We have to be better. It’s not about playing skills, it’s about character, to be composed and have desire and passion. They had more willingness to win and it can’t be. I think that’s unacceptable,” added Ten Hag. Sevilla coach Jose Luis Mendilibar said his side followed the gameplan and didn’t allow Manchester United to get a foothold in the game. “Our idea was to press them when they had the ball at the back, I think it went quite well, we scored the first goal robbing the ball on the edge of their box,” said the coach. “Aside from the goals, I think that we stopped the opponent and they didn’t play in any moment with comfort. “I think we were superior…I think it was the merit of our players.” Key quotes after Sevilla beat Manchester United 3-0 for a 5-2 aggregate win in the Europa League quarter-finals: “It’s clear when we make such mistakes it’s difficult to win a football game. We have to do better. That is a demand.” — United coach Erik ten Hag after his team committed a series of costly errors. “You have seen what I have seen. We were not composed, we were not calm. The players on the pitch have to perform. I believe in them, trust them and then they have to show but today we were not good enough.” — Ten Hag “The truth is I’m very happy for the two goals, and because of the fans — I’ve never seen an atmosphere like this in my life. That’s how it should always be. I want to thank my team-mates, the staff. If we go together, we will go far.” — Youssef En-Nesyri who scored two of Sevilla’s goals. “I started at regional level and now I’m in the semi-finals of the Europa League with a very good team.” — Sevilla coach Jose Luis Mendilibar. “I will always ask the same thing of the players: believe it, believe it and believe it again.” — Mendilibar Read all the Latest News , Trending News ,  Cricket News , Bollywood News ,  India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.