By David Awopetu
Sevilla FC beat a wasteful Manchester United 2-1 to advance to the Europa League final on Sunday night in Cologne, Germany.
Luuk de Jong came off the bench and scored the winner for Sevilla in the 79th minute as United were beaten in the semifinals of a competition for the third time this season following losses at the same stage in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Despite taking the lead through a Bruno Fernandes penalty early on, United lost out to a Sevilla side who had already conquered English opposition, Wolves, in the last round.
Sevilla, Europa League specialists, equalised before the interval when former Liverpool forward, Suso, swept a finish past David de Gea at the far post.
United’s fate was sealed when they missed a succession of chances early in the second half as Sevilla keeper, Yassine Bounou, emerged as the hero, denying Anthony Martial several times.
The Spanish side secured their place in the final when Luuk de Jong swept home a cross from Jesus Navas with 12 minutes left, United punished for poor defending, which led to recriminations as penalty specialist Bruno Fernandes confronted Victor Lindelof in the aftermath.
Manchester United’s long season came to a bitterly disappointing conclusion as they missed out on the chance to lift their first trophy since they won this tournament under Jose Mourinho more than three years ago.
