Raphael Varane - players.bio

Ten Hag plays down Martinez injury fears

MANCHESTER, England : Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag tried to stay positive about the injury suffered by defender Lisandro Martinez during the 2-2 Europa League draw with Sevilla on Thursday.

'I had to make the changes': Ten Hag rues bad luck in Sevilla draw

Erik ten Hag is sweating on the fitness of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane after a comfortable Europa League quarter-final clash ended in a chaotic, and potentially costly, draw with Sevilla. Marcel Sabitzer's first-half brace put the Red Devils in control at a packed Old Trafford, where Antony hit the woodwork after the break as they pushed to deservedly extend their lead. Much-changed Sevilla had created little in response but a Tyrell Malacia own goal in the 84th minute provided a lifeline, with a serious-looking injury to Martinez quickly compounding matters. United had already lost fellow centre-back Varane to injury and had used all of their substitutes when the Argentina international went down, meaning they ended the game with 10 men. Six-time Europa League winners Sevilla capitalised and Youssef En-Nesyri's stoppage-time header ricocheted in off of Varane's replacement Harry Maguire as the first leg ended 2-2. "I had to make (the changes) - there was no other way," United boss Ten Hag said. "Rafa was injured and the first I had to make. Then Anthony Martial's first start after a long period, so we had to make him on the 60. "Then Bruno (Fernandes), I got the warning from the ref he was short before the second booking and the same with Antony dos Santos, so I had to make the subs. I had no other choice. "But, still, we controlled the game, still we had to score the third goal. "Then I think in the last 10 minutes of the game everything was against us, also we have to be more smart. "We switch off, of course, with the first goal, then we get an injury of Licha [Lisandro Martinez].