Man Utd lost UEL tie to Sevilla 'in 2nd half at Old Trafford', says Hargreaves

Owen Hargreaves feels Manchester United lost their Europa League quarter final against Sevilla in the drawn first leg at Old Trafford.

After taking a 2-0 lead following a Marcel Sabitzer brace at Old Trafford, United crumbled in the closing stages as own goals from Harry Maguire and Tyrell Malacia levelled the tie.

It gave them a tough task as they visited the six-time champions in Seville, and Erik ten Hag's side were thoroughly outplayed as mistakes from David de Gea cost them dearly in a 3-0 loss.

For Hargreaves, who won European trophies with both United and Bayern Munich, the quarter final was already gone before the second leg started.

'This was lost in the second half at Old Trafford,' he told BT Sport. 'They [Manchester United] could have been up three or four-nil.

'They could have been out of sight. Instead they got punished tonight.'

He also touched on how losses of Thursday's magnitude are becoming a regular occurrence for his former side, as he added: 'Manchester United have had five or six games this season which frighten you.'

There has been something of a pattern emerging since Erik ten Hag's arrival at the club.

Despite unquestionably improving the culture and performances of the side as a whole, crushing away defeats have popped up throughout the season, starting with a 4-0 loss at Brentford in the manager's second game in charge.

They lost 6-3 at Man City two months later, 3-1 at Aston Villa in November and were thrashed 7-0 by Liverpool at Anfield last month.

Despite branding his players 'unacceptable' and not 'good enough' after Thursday's defeat, Erik ten Hag did offer fans some hope of a response.

He told BT Sport: ‘We showed in the past we can quickly bounce back. We have done it many times this season, but we have to start games better with more desire and more composure on the ball.

‘When you get the setback you have to deal with it and carry on. I had this question many times, after Manchester City, after Liverpool, and after Brentford, and every time we bounce back.

‘This team has character and mental skills, but sometimes we are not there. I think we have to accept that now. Everyone can see the demands and standard has to be higher in a club like Manchester United.’

The Red Devils are next in action on Sunday, as they continue to seek a second domestic trophy of the season against Brighton in the FA Cup.