Manchester United will aim to get back to winning ways when they face Real Betis in the Europa League Round of 16 first-leg at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.
After successfully knocking a well-structured Barcelona side out of the Europa League, Manchester United suffered a humiliating defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in their last Premier League outing. Manager Erik Ten Hag deemed the performance from his side as “unprofessional” and there is no doubt that they will endeavour far well to redeem themselves.
The Reds have played the most games this season across teams from Europe’s top five leagues. The fatigue and stress accumulated from all these performances, which have been mostly favourable, crept up to the team against Liverpool. It has been evident in training after the disgraceful result that Erik Ten Hag wants to shrug off his players from their disorganization this weekend and get back to optimistic ways.
Meanwhile, LaLiga side Real Betis are firmly competing for a Champions League spot for next season. They are at 41 points in the Spanish league as of now, just 4 points short of 4th-placed Real Sociedad. Former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has done an awesome job at the Benito Villamarin since his appointment and they have strung together a few good performances in recent outings.
Manchester United Team News
Manager Erik Ten Hag will be without the presence of Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen who are out with long-term injuries. There were concerns regarding Casemiro’s form against Liverpool and it is rumoured that he is carrying a minor injury. This is yet to be confirmed by the club.
Defender Victor Lindelof who has been quoted by Betis’ rivals Sevilla was sidelined against Liverpool and looks like he will miss the game versus Los Verdiblancos.
Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia are set to be back on the squad list after having doubts over the weekend.
Real Betis Team News
Manuel Pellegrini recently suffered a huge blow as key player Nabil Fekir will be sidelined for this match with an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury. He is ruled out for the remainder of the season.
The Andalucian side will also miss midfielder Juan Cruz after aggravating an ongoing muscular injury. Forward Sergio Canales is expected to be back on the pitch after training individually after the Real Madrid match.