Betis 0-1 Manchester United: Manchester United has convincingly dealt with Real Betis in the round of 16 of the Europa League. Man in shape Marcus Rashford once again became the match winner in Seville.
Rashford blasts Man Utd to a victory in Seville
Rashford had already scored 25 goals this season prior to the away game against Betis, including a goal in the 4-1 home win against the Spaniards. The 25-year-old Englishman also played 42 games for United this season. Yet Erik ten Hag did not give him any rest during the away match against Betis. Rashford started, as did Bruno Fernandes. Wout Weghorst and Tyrell Malacia also had a starting place and Ten Hag let 21-year-old attacker Facundo Pellistri start a match for the first time.
Pellistri and the United stars did not show much in the opening phase. Not that Betis managed to really shake the English. The most dangerous man with the home team was Juanmi, who came across David de Gea after more than half an hour. Moments later, a shot from the Spanish attacker was blocked by Harry Maguire, who replaced the spared Raphaël Varane at the side of Lisandro Martínez.
Weghorst was the closest to a goal in the first half. The striker thought he had cleverly changed the direction of the ball on the stroke of half-time with a shot from Pellistri, but slid the ball against the post from close range.
Second half
Early in the second half it was still a hit for The Red Devils. After getting the ball from Casemiro, Rashford took his chance from 25 yards out. It was an opportunistic effort that showed confidence. Not for the first time this season, Rashford’s goal effort turned out great. The hard shot ended in the far corner past goalkeeper Rui Silva: 0-1.
Substitute Marcel Sabitzer almost made it 0-2 shortly after his entrance on a pass from Fernandes. A second goal from United was no longer possible, but the lead over two matches was never in danger. Ten Hag saw room in the last half hour to give Rashford, Fernandes and Martínez, among others, some rest, on the way to next Sunday’s FA Cup match against Fulham. In addition to the FA Cup tournament, the Europa League offers Ten Hag a good prospect. Of a second prize after winning the League Cup. On Friday afternoon it will become clear which opponent United will be linked to for the quarterfinals. Feyenoord is one of the possible opponents.
