Ten Hag gives update on Martinez and Rashford after Manchester United 2-2 Sevilla

Manchester United threw away a two-goal lead in the first leg of the quarter-finals against Sevilla following a series of dramatic events, including defending with 10 men late in the game after an injury to Lisandro Martinez.

The Argentina international and his teammates started the game in a commanding fashion, pushing the visitors closer to their penalty area. The backline didn’t have much to do without the ball and spent the best part of the first 45 minutes recycling possession to maintain pressure on Sevilla.

The reward for their dominance quickly followed as Marcel Sabitzer beat Sevilla’s goalkeeper with aplomb after a superb pass from Bruno Fernandes. The on-loan midfielder from Bayern Munich finished another well-worked play seven minutes later to double United’s lead.

By the half-time whistle, the game as well as the tie appeared to be out of Sevilla’s reach. But the substitution of Raphael Varane proved to be the first domino in a series of unfortunate moments for the home side.

Ten Hag gives update on Manchester United duo

When the referee blew the final whistle, the Old Trafford crowd was left stunned by own goals from Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire, and the sight of Martinez being helped off by his countrymen Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel. The 25-year-old appeared to pick up an Achilles injury.

However, in his post-match interview, Erik ten Hag stated: “I cannot tell what it is but it is not Achilles. No that is not the area.”

The United manager confirmed Martinez will not be available on Sunday to face Nottingham Forest, but added an assuring comment: “I have spoken with him, he is okay, he is calm.

Ten Hag also said there’s a chance Marcus Rashford returns for the second leg in Seville. Bruno Fernandes, meanwhile, will miss the game after the Manchester United stand-in captain was shown a yellow card for a handball.