United hero is top of the stops

to keep out a raking drive from Muriel. United seemed happy to let Sevilla dominate the ball in the hope of hitting them on the break.

The visitors did just this after 12 minutes when Herrera’s pass sent Alexis Sanchez racing though the middle but Jesus Navas sped across to the snuff out the threat.

The former Manchester City star was proving a handful at both ends and charged forward before lashing a shot just wide of De Gea’s right-hand post.

Mourinho’s cunning plan to leave Pogba sulking on the bench for a while backfired when Herrera pulled a leg muscle attempting a back-heel.

Pogba, following some quick instructions from a laptop, was sent into the action. Sanchez did his best with a delightful cross to pick out Romelu Lukaku after 25 minutes.

The chance was laid on a plate but all Lukaku could do was smash his shot high and hopelessly wide.

At the opposite end, Correa weaved inside Antonio Valencia but shot straight at De Gea.

Awful

Correa threatened again before halftime but again failed to beat De Gea with a poor effort. The keeper got in an awful mix-up with Victor Lindelof but moments later tipped wide Muriel’s effort that was destined for the top corner.

The Sevilla pressure continued, with Muriel firing wide and Franco Vazquez ruining a smart turn by curling his effort off target.

Muriel threatened again on the hour but again messed up by firing wide and the teams meet at Old Trafford on March 13 with all to play for. ¬ÊSHAKHTAR DONETSK came from behind to beat Roma 2-1 after Cengiz Under scored on his Champions League debut for the Italian side.