Manchester United-Betis is a Europa League round of 16 first leg match to be played on Thursday at 9pm: TV, line-ups, predictions.
The Europa League to forget one of the most humiliating defeats in its long history, a total wreck that had given no warning, moreover against a bitter rival. Yes, because last Sunday Manchester United saw their eleven-match unbeaten run come to an end in the worst possible way.
A week after the League Cup triumph at Wembley against Newcastle, which allowed the Red Devils to return to win a title six years after the last time, Erik ten Hag’s team was unexpectedly annihilated by Klopp and Salah’s Liverpool with a 7-0 that will forever remain as an indelible stain on this season, which is however giving a lot of satisfaction compared to the previous ones. It is inexplicable, in fact, how a healthy and confident United could have collapsed in this way at Anfield Road, moreover against a very strong but still convalescent opponent. The European engagement with Betis, one of the most interesting and fascinating round of 16 matches, will tell us if the disastrous performance at home of the Reds is an isolated case or if the Dutch coach has to start worrying. Still in the running on all four fronts, Rashford and his team-mates will try to bounce back in that Europa League they are unbeaten in seven consecutive games: in the play-off for access to the round of 16 they even knocked out Barcelona (2-2 in the first leg and 2-1 in the return) in what was something of an early final.
Another Spaniard for the Red Devils
For Manchester United there is now another Spaniard: as mentioned, Manuel Pellegrini’s ambitious Betis, who finished first in the group stage ahead of José Mourinho’s Roma, avoiding the play-offs. The green-and-whites are now a reality in La Liga and have been making a good impression on the most important European stages for a few years now.
Canales’ exultation
After twenty-four days in the league, the Andalusians are fifth in the standings and dream of qualifying for the next Champions League. Moreover, direct competitors Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad are not far away: the battle is still long. Meanwhile, on Sunday they stopped Spanish and European champions Real Madrid 0-0 at the ‘Benito Villamarin’ stadium, their first draw after three consecutive victories against Almeria, Real Valladolid and Elche. In the Europa League they have not yet suffered any defeats, achieving five wins and one draw. There is no previous record against Manchester United. Some problems in midfield for ten Hag, who will most likely have to give up a bulwark like Casemiro: Sabitzer should play in his place. On the other side Pellegrini on the three-quarter will not have the quality of former Lyon player Fekir at his disposal.
The Prediction
The spectre of psychological backlash is just around the corner, but Manchester United will be desperate to react after the humiliation at Anfield Road and are slight favourites against Betis in this year’s Old Trafford fortress. It cannot be ruled out, however, that the Andalusians manage to score at least one goal, keeping the qualification discourse open ahead of the return match in Spain.
The Manchester United-Betis matchday squad
- MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Malacia; Sabitzer, McTominay; Sancho, Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford.
- BETIS (4-2-3-1): Bravo; Sabaly, Luiz Felipe, Pezzella, Miranda; William Carvalho, Guido Rodriguez; Canales, Rodri, Perez; Borja Iglesias.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
