Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho have rarely found common ground during their careers, yet neither doubt the man determined to ensure Manchester United’s season ends without a trophy.
Ever Banega, the Sevilla playmaker, is a rock star off the pitch and an artist on it. Few can spot a pass, hit a dead ball or find space like the Argentine.
The 32-year-old is set to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Shabab after Sevilla’s season ends, and his departure to a little league is a pity for one of the best enganches — the Argentine term for a playmaker — of modern times.
His dazzling display in the quarter-final win over Wolves highlighted Banega’s determination to end his Sevilla career with a third Europa League title.
If he is given similar time and space by United in tomorrow’s semi-final, there is every chance he will hurt them just as badly.
Thankfully, Banega does damage to opponents these days rather than his own career.
During his first spell in Spain, at Valencia from 2008-14, Banega suffered one of football’s most bizarre injuries when he forgot to put the handbrake on when filling up at the petrol station. His car rolled back and broke his ankle.
There was an internet sex scandal at Valencia in 2008, the wild hotel-room party after Argentina had won the Under 20 World Cup in 2009 and the reports — denied by coach Ernesto Valverde — that he arrived drunk for training before a match against Barcelona in 2012.
It begs the question: why do clubs bother?
They bother because with the ball at his feet Banega is far more Mozart than Motorhead.
In that game against Barcelona, Banega was man of the match, justifying Guardiola’s remarks that ‘Banega is fantastic. We’ll have to be plugged in to render him ineffective’.
And after Banega-inspired Sevilla knocked United out of the Champions League in 2018, then United boss Mourinho said: ‘There are many Sevilla players who would play in my team.’
No prizes for guessing Banega was one of them.
SawHotz
1
when good players go to Manchester United , they just turn into average. see how Bruno is just a penalty taker. no serious goals. I believe Sancho may not perform to their expectations.tbey should instead go for Harry Kane if they want to win trophies
I always believed I would see a proper Utd fan one day...well done
maxm70
1
I hope he does well in the Saudi Pro League.
Fooclnopy
1
when good players go to Manchester United , they just turn into average. see how Bruno is just a penalty taker. no serious goals. I believe Sancho may not perform to their expectations.tbey should instead go for Harry Kane if they want to win trophies
you just don't have sense
haubdnsz
0
What a waste.
Zukabksy
3
when good players go to Manchester United , they just turn into average. see how Bruno is just a penalty taker. no serious goals. I believe Sancho may not perform to their expectations.tbey should instead go for Harry Kane if they want to win trophies
BillyMeek
1
Sevilla played like the prime Barcelona we knew back then.
BillyMeek
1
martial has created most goals than the pair...."I mean most penalties created"
Please stop killing me with those funny comment
kingfab0
2
let him enter maybe one day he will become a legend with actions
AmoGmanchester
1
Fantastic player indeed
Nusdikntuy
1
agreed with Pep he know who is he....
AntiRacist1990
0
huh? when he managed a team in WC final?
U20, read the article
AntiRacist1990
0
yeah he never managed an international team lol fake
U20
IbrahimKakande
7
If there is something like a loyal player, Evar Banega defines it. He has been so loyal to Sevilla since he joined them. Pep and Jose are not managers that can come for you and you reject their offers, but he did just to stay at Sevilla.
ELLYICON
2
martial has created most goals than the pair...."I mean most penalties created"
saga27
0
huh? when he managed a team in WC final?
never
saga27
0
Ernesto Valverde also Coached a team in a World cup final, And BARCELONA got rid of that Legend 😭😭😭
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yeah he never managed an international team lol fake
yaeaekmnrt
1
Ever is done This current man utd team is better
yaeaekmnrt
1
Both combine are not better than banega
He isn't even worthy to be mentioned in the same category as them
mazhan
0
Both combine are not better than banega
simondrah2
1
United also have two of the most deadly playermakers in Bruno and Pogba so stop talking as if Banega is the only one going to play the match.....
TonyV25
0
Ernesto Valverde also Coached a team in a World cup final, And BARCELONA got rid of that Legend 😭😭😭
[image]
huh? when he managed a team in WC final?
AntiRacist1990
4
Ernesto Valverde also Coached a team in a World cup final, And BARCELONA got rid of that Legend 😭😭😭
Keedkuyzz
3
Let's play Rock, Paper, scissor
AmuzaSuleiman
2
morinho
puru_1022
3
That could have been possible of Mou was at Man Utd but now any player will not agree for a batch of a chicken balancing on ball😂😂