21st Feb 2018 | Premier League
Better The Red Devils You Know
Mourinho will revert to type and look to stifle dangerous opponents on the road. The two-legged format suits the Portuguese strategy because even 1-0 defeats offer hope of progression.
Jose Mourinho is an arch-pragmatist and we should be under no illusions how highly he is prioritising this competition.
With title hopes gone, but a top four position looking likely in the Premier League, the Champions League is vitally important for Man Utd. Moreover, Mourinho is always looking for personal glory and his legacy would be cemented if he becomes the first man to win this tournament with 3 different clubs.
That’s a long way off but the next step involves securing a satisfactory result in Sevilla. Back under 1.5 goals in this match at best odds of 12/5 with Betfair. Jose would love a 1-0 win, take 0-0 and would even cope with a 1-0 loss with an Old Trafford return to come.
United’s last two away games in the Champions League group stages produced 1 goal apiece and we’ve seen a similar approach domestically away to the best sides. The Red Devils drew 0-0 at Anfield and lost 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Sevilla have been grinding out results in Spain recently and won’t take a gung-ho approach either. Boss Montella will probably play two holding midfielders, even at home, and the result could be a stalemate.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 09:24 21st Feb, 2018 but subject to change