Europa League: Red Devils Need Strong Response After Historic Rout

Manchester United vs Real Betis

After suffering a historic defeat at the hands of rivals Liverpool in the Premier League, Manchester United must now try to move on as they host Real Betis in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie.

The Verdiblancos held mighty Real Madrid to a goalless draw over the weekend as they continued their recent resurgence in La Liga.

Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini has a fine record against Manchester United in his managerial career, and the Chilean will be keen to defy the Europa League 2023 betting odds as his Betis side head into Old Trafford.

Talking Points

Man United must move on from 7-0 mauling

Things were looking so good for Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United. They came into the Liverpool match on an 11-match unbeaten run, with a big win over Barcelona in the Europa League play-off and a Carabao Cup triumph, their first trophy in six years.

But all that positive momentum came crashing down as the Red Devils suffered a 7-0 drubbing, tying their heaviest defeat in club history.

No Red Devil acquitted himself well in that disastrous performance, which ten Hag described as “unprofessional.” But Bruno Fernandes in particular caught the brunt of the criticism for his horrendous showing.

There are calls to strip Burno of the club captaincy, but the Portuguese playmaker looks set to lead United against Betis.

However, Casemiro is a doubt to play in the first leg against Betis due to injury, which would be a huge blow to a United defence in desperate need of solidity after their horrific display against Liverpool.

Marcel Sabitzer might get the start in case Casemiro is not fit to play, although the old partnership of Fred and Scott McTominay is also an option.

Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford will look to bounce back after failing to score in back-to-back appearances. Rashford, who leads the team with 25 goals in all competitions, is the co-leading scorer in the Europa League with four goals in six games.

Real Betis back on track

After a disastrous start to 2023 where they lost five of eight games, Real Betis are finally back on track. The Verdiblancos have gone unbeaten in their last four games in La Liga, with three wins and a draw against European champions Real Madrid over the weekend. Those strong results have lifted Betis back up to fifth in the La Liga standings.

Betis’ clean sheet against Real was just their second in 2023. Although, they did have a strong defensive record in the Europa League group stage, conceding just four goals in six games as they went undefeated with five wins and a draw.

Meanwhile, Manuel Pellegrini will once again be without veteran playmaker Nabil Fekir, who is out for the season with a knee injury.

However, he is expected to have Sergio Canales back to provide Europa League 2023 highlights after the winger missed the last couple of matches with a thigh injury. Prior to his injury, Canales had been on a hot streak, with three goals and two assists in his last three games.

Leading scorer Borja Iglesias (10 goals) didn’t start any of Betis’ group stage matches as Pellegrini rotated to Willian Jose up front. But the Spanish international looks set to lead the line at Old Trafford.

History

This is the first time Manchester United and Real Betis will meet in a competitive match. However, Betis will be the third Spanish side that United will face in this Europa League run after Real Sociedad in the group stage and Barcelona in the play-off round.

After losing 1-0 to La Real at Old Trafford, United returned the favour with a 1-0 win at the Anoeta. They then drew 2-2 at Camp Nou before beating Barca 2-1 in the second leg at home.

As for Betis, they have lost four of their last six European games against English opposition, with just one win and one draw.

Meanwhile, Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has quite a history against the Red Devils. Pellegrini managed United rivals Manchester City from 2013 to 2016 and also West Ham United in the Premier League. The Chilean lost just three times in 13 games against United, with five wins and five draws.

Moreover, Pellegrini faced United four times in European competition while he was manager of Villarreal. All four games ended in goalless draws.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have Manchester United installed as major 1.41 favourites to win the first leg at home. Betis are priced at 6.00, while a draw is 4.50.

Real Betis will not be an easy opponent for Manchester United. The Spanish side are full of confidence amid their stellar form, and they have a manager in Manuel Pellegrini who has proven he is capable of getting a good result at Old Trafford.

While the Red Devils will be raring to respond after their humiliation at Anfield, don’t bet against Betis from coming away from the first leg with a positive result, or at the very least, only a narrow defeat.

 

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