Manchester United 4 Real Betis 1
Rashford (6’minutes), Antony (52’minutes), Bruno Fernandes (58’minutes), Weghorst (82’minutes) | Pérez (32’minutes)
[ Highlights | Post-Match Reaction ]
Manchester United overcame first-half nerves to demolish Real Betis after a half-time hair dryer from Ten Hag. With three second-half goals, United are now favourites to go through to the next round of the Europa League.
After almost conceding early in the first half, a superb United counterattack ended with Rashford thundering home the opening goal. The relief was palpable, and United went on the dominate, looking likely to add to the scoreline. Then, just after the half-hour mark, after an apparent handball in the build-up, Betis scored the equaliser. United suddenly looked fragile, and had Betis capitalised on United’s evident nerves, they could’ve easily gone in at halftime ahead. Luckily, perhaps, United hung on.
A different United came out for the second half. There was only one change, Wan-Bisakka on for Dalot, but a completely different attitude. The fear was gone, and United took charge, attacking at will, and dominating the ball. The first goal would come soon. Fernandes found Antony out wide on the left, and the Brazilian cut inside onto his left foot before unleashing a curling shot into the top corner. If he’s a one-trick pony, it’s still a great trick to have. United didn’t let up on the pressure. Minutes later, Captain Fernandes headed home his own version of the Keane v Juve1999 goal to make it three-one.
United were totally in control now. Weghorst found himself in space and played a through ball for the onrushing Antony, only for the Brazilian to be denied by the keeper. Chances kept coming, and it was only a matter of time before United scored their fourth. Fernandes played a corner to Pellistri, who took on two defenders, made it to the byline, then cut it back for McTominay. McTominay’s shot was parried by the keeper but fell to Weghorst, who finished from close range.
United may not be fully recovered from last weekend’s trashing but their second half display shows they’ll live to fight another day.
Manchester United:
De Gea, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Casemiro, Fred, Fernandes, Antony, Weghorst, Rashford.
Subs: Heaton, Butland, Lindelof, Maguire, Malacia, Sancho, Pellistri, Wan-Bissaka, Elanga, McTominay, Garnacho, Mainoo.
Real Betis:
Bravo, SabalyPezzella, Ramos Marchi, da Silva Santos, William Carvalho, Rodríguez, Rosa da Silva, Sánchez Rodríguez, Juanmi, Pérez,
Subs: González, Ruiz, Iglesias, Canales, Da Silva, Dantas da Silva, Guardado, Ruibal, Martín Fernández, Sánchez Rodríguez, Miranda, Pérez Guerrero