Manchester United trash Real Betis four goals to one in the UEFA Europa league round of 16 first leg

Manchester United came into this match hoping to get an immediate response after the embarrassing seven-nil loss to Liverpool last Sunday. Erik Ten Hag's side lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, David de Gea was in between the sticks, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez were in the heart of United’s defence, Casemiro and Fred were in between the pack and Manchester United's highest goal scorer this season Marcus Rashford played at left wing.

Real Betis came into this game with confidence after getting a valuable point against Real Madrid during the weekend, Real Betis were the underdogs coming into this tie but they were determined to put up a fight. Manuel Pellegrini’s lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, former Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was in goal, Luiz Felipe and Germán Pezzella wire fence, club captain and veteran Joaquín played as a ten and former Newcastle and Leicester City player Ayoze Pérez led the attack.

Manchester United had a quick start as Rashford put them ahead in the sixth minute, the goal was his twenty-sixth goal of the season in all competitions only Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe have more goals in Europe’s top five leagues across all competitions. Weghorst almost doubled United’s lead in the 17th minute but his effort went wide.

Ayoze Pérez drew Real Betis level in the 32nd minute he was assisted by Juanmi the shot was Beti's first shot of the game. Real Betis almost went ahead one minute before halftime through Pérez but his effort heats the woodwork.

Manchester United increased their tempo in the second half they moved the ball forward with pace and aggressiveness, Antony put Manchester United in front in the 52nd minute, Fernandes passed the ball to Antony takes on the shot from the right side goes into the top corner. Fernandes doubled United’s lead six minutes later, Shaw puts a good cross into the box from a corner Fernandes is in the right place to head it home.

Rashford was substituted in the 65th minute and was replaced by Jadon Sancho. Fred almost found the back of the net after a nice pass by Sancho was denied by Bravo. Manchester United kept attacking and it finally paid off in the 82nd minute as United got a fourth through Weghorst, Pellistri passed the ball to Mc Tominay he shoots but Bravo pushes the ball and it falls in front of Weghorst who slots it home. Fernandes almost scored in 93rd minute but was denied by Bravo.

The result was a great way to respond after that seven-nil trashing by Liverpool during the weekend Manchester United played greatly and aggressively during the second half, with the result they are one step foot into the Quarter Final they will go to Seville to get the job done next week Thursday. They will turn their attention to struggling Southampton who they play during the weekend they will be no margin for error as they’re expected to pick three points.

Real Betis would have to be at their best next week if they’re to change the score line they will have a support of their home fans in Seville but a change in the scoreline seems unlikely, they face Villareal in LALIGA during the weekend they will need a win to close the gap between them and fourth place Real Sociedad they are three points away from the UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE places.

📸 Via Sporting News