MANCHESTER United boss Erik ten Hag says his side must “use emotion as a tool” when they face Sevilla in their Europa League quarter-final second leg.
The tie is delicately poised at 2-2 after United conceded two late goals in the first leg at Old Trafford.
“The timing of emotions is important in big games – we must focus on the best game you can as a team and individual,” ten Hag said.
Sevilla have won the trophy a record six times.
But ten Hag said he is “confident” his side can get back on track on Thursday with victory in Spain to progress to the semi-finals.
“Defensively we are good, we have the most clean sheets in the Premier League so our organisation all over the pitch is good and attacking we should have scored more goals over the season,” said the Dutch boss.
“I am confident, especially now we have all the players on board, we score every game.”
United went 2-0 up at Old Trafford before Sevilla staged a late comeback as Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire scored own goals.
“We played over 60 minutes quite well and the last 30 minutes we became passive – it is not acceptable, we know that,” said ten Hag.
“When you only play a game for 60 minutes you get punished.”
Meanwhile, United’s top scorer this season Marcus Rashford could return from a groin injury for the return leg in Seville.
Sevilla boss Jose Luis Mendilibar said Rashford is “one of the best players” around but his side “won’t change our mentality” whether he plays or not.
Ten Hag said on Wednesday Rashford has trained once with the team but has not yet decided whether he will feature in the match or not.
Mendilibar said: “Well, Rashford is one of the best players nowadays. We have to think about ourselves, respecting the opposite team but we don’t have to think about particular players.
“If Rashford plays, it’s because he’s ready. If he’s not, another top player will play there.”
