Europa League semi-final review: Manchester United smash Roma for SIX in first leg, while Arsenal lose at Villarreal

There were differing fortunes for the two English clubs playing in this year’s Europa League semi-finals, with Manchester United dominating Roma while Arsenal slumped to defeat against Villarreal.

Manchester United blitz Roma in the second half

Despite going in at half time 2-1 down, United would launch a superb second-half performance that eventually saw them come out 6-2 winners against Roma.

Bruno Fernandes netted the opener, before Lorenzo Pellegrini and Edin Dzeko both scored to put the Italians ahead going into the break.

Second-half strikes from Mason Greenwood, Paul Pogba, an Edison Cavani brace and another for Fernandes saw the Red Devils through – in what now seems like an impossible deficit for their opponents to overturn.

It was an Old Trafford return to forget for Chris Smalling, who was on the receiving end of a Fernandes and Cavani masterclass.

Arsenal with work to do in second leg after defeat in Spain

Arsenal didn’t fare as well, losing 2-1 to Villarreal who are managed by former Gunners boss Unai Emery.

Manu Trigueros opened the scoring, with Raul Albiol doubling the Spanish clubs’ lead going into half-time.

Shortly into the second period, Dani Ceballos was sent off for a second bookable offence and Arsenal seemed dead and buried.

A late Nicolas Pepe penalty gave them a valuable away goal though and reason to be optimistic going into the second leg.

Former Watford midfielder Etienne Capoue was also sent off in the late stages of the match, again giving Mikel Arteta’s side reason to be more positive going into the reverse fixture.

The second legs of both games will be played next Thursday ahead of the final set to be played on Wednesday, May 26.