Old Trafford, Manchester United's theater of dreams, almost turned into nightmares.

The "Red Devils" came close to disaster against an opportunistic AS Roma despite the injuries.

Then, Paul Pogba's teammates completely gained the upper hand against the Italian club (6-2).

In the other Europa League semi-final of the evening, Villareal won the first round against Arsenal (2-1).

Three injuries in 33 minutes

The match began with a hard blow for AS Roma who immediately lost their French midfielder, Jordan Veretout, who suffered from muscle failure in the third minute.

The Italians therefore let the “Red Devils” take the game for themselves.

Pogba overwhelms three opponents before slipping it to Cavani who gives Bruno Fernandes a touch.

The Portuguese deceived the goalkeeper with a small dive (9th, 1-0).

Manchester United then seems ideally launched in this semi-final.

But, on the first Roman offensive, Paul Pogba tackles and the ball hits his hand.

The referee indicates the penalty spot.

Pellegrini does not need to be asked to equalize (14th, 1-1).

The Mancuniens set out again to assault the Roman cage.

Paul Pogba, untenable tonight, leads the attacks.

He also tries his luck from afar but his powerful shot is pushed back thanks to a horizontal parade by Paul Lopez (25th).

However, fate is hitting AS Roma, their goalkeeper is injured on this stop and is forced to give way to Antonio Mirante.

Not enough to bring down the Romans.

Faced with passive defense, Mkhitaryan slips the ball into the box for Pellegrini.

The latter center strong in front of goal, where Edin Dzeko concludes 3 meters from an unorthodox heel-knee recovery (33rd, 1-2).

A goal tarnished by a new twist of fate and the exit of the side Spinazzola.

We have to continue like this, guys (without the injuries, just)!

DAJE!


#ASRoma #UEL #ManUtdRoma pic.twitter.com/tVq3dNVf8J

- AS Roma French (@ASRomaFRA) April 29, 2021

AS Roma sinks in the second half

The “Red Devils” equalize shortly after halftime.

Bruno Fernandes and Cavani combine.

The Uruguayan concludes with a touch of the right foot to send the ball into the top corner (48th, 2-2).

Soon after, he doubled down on surfaces.

Mirante badly repels a strike from Wan-Bissaka and the former Parisian takes advantage (64th, 3-2).

It was again the Uruguayan who caused the penalty for the fourth goal, mown down by Smalling.

Bruno Fernandes does not pray to deceive Mirante (71st, 4-2).

Pogba finishes the job by sending a powerful header to the back of the net on a cross from the Portuguese (75th, 5-2).

The newcomer Mason Greenwood finished the job a few moments later (86th, 6-2).

What a second half.

What a team.



Halfway there, boys 👊



🔴 #MUFC


🏆 #UEL

- Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 29, 2021

It will take a hell of a comeback if AS Roma wants to qualify against Manchester United on Thursday 6 May.

• Villareal 2 - 1 Arsenal 

Villareal took a small option for the Europa League final by winning 2-1 at home against Arsenal, who managed to save the furniture by bringing in an away goal after a game bumped.

Led 2-0 at halftime, the Gunners scored on a penalty when they were down to ten after being sent off for two yellow cards from Dani Ceballos in the 57th minute.

Villarreal also finished the game at ten following the expulsion of Etienne Capoue for the same reason in the 80th.

Defeat on the night - but a potentially crucial away goal.



🟡 2-1 🔵 (FT)



🏆 #UEL

- Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 29, 2021

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