Match Recap

A woeful display in Rio Ferdinand's testimonial saw United succumb to a second defeat in their final preseason match. Sevilla spoiled the party mood at Old Trafford with a stellar performance of cohesive team play  following their Europa League qualifying match in Montenegro 24 hours previous. The squad selection reflected a concern toward Sundays Community Shield match up against Wigan, with a number of first team players absent. The starting eleven featured the likes of Adnan Januzaj, Alexander Büttner, and Angelo Henriquez. The center of attention was of course Rio Ferdinand who was celebrating eleven years as a red devil.

The match started off with Sevilla having the bulk of the possession but not really creating any clear cut chances. The first chance of the match fell to Angelo Henriquez who could only scuff his shot at the keeper after he was brilliantly played in by Adnan Januzaj. It was Sevilla who broke the deadlock after excellent link up play saw the Sevilla attack cut through the United defense like a butter knife and culminated in Vitolo slotting the ball past De Gea. Shortly after United received another bucket of cold water to the face as another great collective play saw Chelsea loanee Marko Marin score on an open goal. Kagawa had a number of chances to bring United into the game but he should have done better when he had a weak shot and a tame header denied by goalkeeper Beto. Rather than reduce the deficit it was Sevilla who came closer to adding a third in the 39th minute when De Gea made a vintage save with his feet to deny Marin. Valencia's miss at the end of the half summed up what was United's poor effort thus far.

Halftime saw the introduction of Jesse Lingard and Phil Jones. These subs injected energy into the side as they produced a number of half chances in search of an equalizer. In the 64th minute Januzaj did well to evade his marker and cross to Valencia who tapped the ball in to give United the goal they were looking for. A triple substitution saw Giggs, Zaha, and Carrick enter the fray. United looked like they were going to tie the match after the momentum appeared to shift in the reds favor but Sevilla were to have the last say with Rabello adding a third at the death. This defeat leaves a sour taste in the mouths of the United squad as they head into the Community Shield match on Sunday.

One of the few positives to draw from an otherwise lamentable evening. The young Belgian was a creative force down the left producing a number of meaningful chances that culminated with his assist to Antonio Valencia.