Sevilla ace claims Man Utd will 'suffer' in Europa League showdown
‘They are going to SUFFER’: Sevilla’s Ivan Rakitic ramps up the fighting talk as he claims Man United ‘don’t know what awaits them’ in their Europa League quarter-final showdown – and singles out TWO players that should be most worried
- Rakitic called the Europa League ‘Sevilla’s competition’ due to their record
- The two players played in LaLiga and are aware of the ferocious atmosphere
- Erik ten Hag facing growing pile of issues at crucial point in the season for Utd
Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic issued a warning to Manchester United ahead of their Europa League quarter-final in Spain, stressing that his side were willing to leave everything on the pitch to see victory in their favourite competition.
The Spanish club have won the Europa League a record six times and after patchy run of results in LaLiga, Sevilla will be focusing all of their efforts on progression in a bid to secure European competition next season.
The first leg of the tie last Thursday saw the visitors overrun in the first half as United went 2-0 ahead thanks to goals from Marcel Sabitzer, but the home side appeared to switch off in the second, conceding two late own goals to put the teams level again.
In an interview with Spanish outlet AS, Rakitic – who won the competition with Sevilla in 2014 – claimed that the intimidating atmosphere of the Ramón Sanchez-Pizjuán Stadium could prove the difference in the tie, as it has so often.
‘These people don’t know what awaits them on Thursday,’ the former Barcelona player said of Erik ten Hag’s side.
Ivan Rakitic warned United that atmosphere in Seville could prove the difference on the night
Sevilla snatched victory against the home side at Old Trafford after a second-half capitulation
‘It is a team with a lot of experience and many millions, but United does not know what Ramón Sanchez-Pizjuán is like packed.
‘I know from when I was at Barcelona that players from other teams sing the Sevilla anthem on the pitch.
‘It’s unique. What our fans have created is very impressive.’
He then singled out two United players – David de Gea and Casemiro – who might be the most afraid, based on their experience in the Spanish league facing Los Nervionenses.
‘De Gea or Casemiro, who have played here, will surely explain to them that this is something else.
‘You get anywhere and they say that this is Sevilla’s competition.
‘They are going to have to suffer, I cannot guarantee that we will qualify but we are going to leave everything on the field.’
There may be some truth to Rakitic’s threat with regard to United’s No 1, as he has never beaten them in the eight matches the goalkeeper has played against the side.
Rakitic did offer his opponents some consolation as the midfielder praised the club for their securing of Casemiro.
The Brazilian midfielder has been heralded as one of the signings of the season, and is seen by his manager as one of the team’s most reliable starters.
Rakitic added: ‘We are talking about one of the most important teams in Europe and with significant economic potential.
‘There are few teams that can take away a Real Madrid starter, Casemiro, that speaks of the strength and potential of Manchester United.’
Casemiro was praised by Rakitic, but he claimed the Brazilian will be worried ahead of the tie
David de Gea has had a torrid time against Sevilla, failing to win a single match-up in eight
The former Croatia international won the competition in 2014 under then-boss Unai Emery
United have never won against Sevilla and will look to break their duck in some style to secure a spot in the Europa League quarter-finals.
However, the club has been beset by injuries in the past few weeks, with key defensive weapon Lisandro Martinez ruled out for the rest of the season after picking up an injury during the first leg.
There is also a question mark over whether Marcus Rashford will be able to start, after he was badly missed last week.
Still competing on three fronts this season, Ten Hag will also have to contend with a difficult FA Cup semi-final on Sunday against Brighton.
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