David de Gea produced a stunning first-half save from Luis Muriel to ensure Manchester United returned from Sevilla with a priceless Champions League clean sheet.
The United keeper once again proved unbeatable on a night when the home side only fleetingly threatened to push him to his limit in a 0-0 draw in his native Spain.
However, Jose Mourinho’s men too produced little of note going forward and know they will have to be better if they are to win the return at Old Trafford to secure their passage to the quarter-finals.
Tweet of the match
The definition of respect.
Stalemate. #ThisIsSevilla #SevillaFamily pic.twitter.com/i4eOdWl3ob
— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) February 21, 2018
Star man – David de Gea
David De Gea is incredible. What. A. Save. Don’t say “Anywhere else and it’s a goal.” or “He should score.” because nothing should detract from that save. From that range and with that power, he’s denied an almost certain goal. Just brilliant.
— David Preece (@davidpreece12) February 21, 2018
As so often in the past, keeper De Gea was in the right place at the right time to keep United in the hunt. He produced saves from Steven N’Zonzi and Luis Muriel, the second of them breathtaking, in quick succession as Sevilla launched a late first-half blitz.
Miss of the match
That will do nicely
Scott McTominay gave MUTV his thoughts on a battling performance from United.
Posted by Manchester United on Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Player ratings
Manchester United: David de Gea 9, Antonio Valencia 6, Chris Smalling 7, Victor Lindelof 7, Ashley Young 6, Ander Herrera 6, Nemanja Matic 7, Scott McTominay 7, Juan Mata 7, Alexis Sanchez 6, Romelu Lukaku 5. Subs: Paul Pogba (for Herrera, 17) 6, Marcus Rashford (for Sanchez, 75) 6, Anthony Martial (for Mata, 80) 6.
Who’s up next?
Sevilla v Atletico Madrid, LaLiga, Sunday, February 25
Manchester United v Chelsea, Premier League, Sunday, February 25
