14 April 2023 , 16:59
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Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has taken aim at Harry Maguire for his ‘lack of leadership’ as teammate Lisandro Martinez was lifted off of the pitch against Sevilla.
The Argentine defender picked up what looked to be an innocuous injury in the Red Devils’ 2-2 with the Spanish side in the Europa League. He crumpled to the ground under no challenge and was eventually carried off of the pitch by his international teammates Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel.
Whilst that gesture was praiseworthy, Schmeichel was not too convinced that it was as innocent as first perceived and was disappointed with United skipper Maguire for not intervening.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, the former Danish international said: "It looks like [the] Sevilla players are nice carrying him off the pitch. No, they wanted him out so they could get going.
"[The] United players should have stopped that, that's a lack of leadership on the pitch. Harry Maguire should have managed that situation."
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Following Martinez’s withdrawal, United were forced to play the remainder of the game with 10 men. He went off immediately after Sevilla had reduced their two-goal deficit through Tyrell Malacia’s own-goal.
Lisandro Martinez was carried off the pitch vs Sevilla (Getty Images)Do you agree with Peter Schmeichel's assessment? Share your thoughts in the comments below
The Spanish side very quickly found themselves level as Maguire then put through his own net as he deflected Youssef En-Nesyri’s wayward header past David de Gea. Schmeichel claimed the result was fair after his former side took their foot off the gas during the second period having raced into a two-goal lead.
"It's a fair enough result, the way that it developed in the second half," Schmeichel said. "The players of Manchester United have missed a very good opportunity here.
"A few players today need to have a look at themselves and think about whether they are contributing to the team enough. There are a few players who should be embarrassed with their performances.
"De Gea played well, he made two fantastic saves, could not do anything about the goals. He kept Man Utd in the lead to no avail. Casemiro came back and played really well as well.
"The best player is the guy who scored two goals - Marcel Sabitzer was really good. His team-mates have let him down… he showed the way and they didn't catch on to it.
"It's 2-2 and as a Man Utd supporter, I'm really disappointed. This could and should have been a 5-0 win."
With Martinez set for a spell on the sidelines, Maguire will likely be called into the starting line-up as attention turns back to the Premier League. The Red Devils take on struggling Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday afternoon.