Manchester United vs Real Betis: Ten Hag to trust midfielder to lead response to defeat
Manchester United will return to action this week as they face Real Betis in the first leg of their last-16 tie in the Europa League on Thursday.
United have enjoyed a largely positive campaign but suffered a 7-0 humiliation to Liverpool last time out and will be desperate to produce a response this week.
Betis have found good form in La Liga of late and will hope they can carry that form onto the continental stage.
The two sides have never met in a competitive match-up but faced off in a mid-season friendly in December last year which the Spanish side won 1-0.
When and where will the game take place?
After a disastrous trip to Anfield last weekend, United will return to Old Trafford for their continental clash.
The game is set to be played on Thursday night as one of the final four Europa League matches of the day.
Match Preview
Manchester United
United’s strong run of form came to a disastrous halt on Sunday as the Red Devils were thrashed by rivals Liverpool at Anfield.
Erik ten Hag will now hope his men can bounce back and continue their quest for European silverware.
United have largely struggled to perform against Spanish opposition, picking up just 20 wins from their 70 competitive games against La Liga clubs.
However, they saw off Barcelona in the play-offs last month and will fancy their chances against Los Verdiblancos this week.
Real Betis
Betis breezed through the Europa League group stage, picking up 16 out of 18 points to secure top spot.
They have had mixed results in the league this season but have improved, most notably holding defending champions Real Madrid to a goalless draw last time out.
The visitors have won just one of their six competitive games against English opposition and will have an uphill task when they head to Old Trafford on Thursday.
Nabil Fekir scored the only goal in Betis’ friendly against the Red Devils but is set to miss Thursday’s game due to injury.
Vice-captain Sergio Canales is expected to return to the squad after recovering from a hamstring problem.
Players to watch – Casemiro vs Carvalho
Both managers are dealing with congested fixture lists but will field strong starting XIs as they target continental success.
Casemiro has played an integral role in United’s improved midfield displays this season. The Brazilian was perhaps the Red Devils’ best player in their humiliation at the weekend and will hope to propel them to victory on Thursday.
William Carvalho has been one of Betis’ most reliable players this season, starting 20 of their 24 league games.
Manchester United vs Real Betis Predicted XI
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): David de Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Wout Weghorst.
Real Betis (4-2-3-1): Claudio Bravo; Youssouf Sabaly, Luiz Felipe, German Pezzella, Juan Miranda; William Carvalho, Guido Rodriguez; Sergio Canales, Rodri Sanchez, Ayoze Perez; Borja Iglesias.
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