Manchester United v Real Betis: Europa League PREVIEW

After suffering a humiliating defeat against Liverpool during the weekend, Manchester United will aim to return back to winning ways when they face LaLiga outfits Real Betis in the UEFA Europa League this Thursday at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have played the most games among all of the clubs in Europe and the fatigue accumulated behind the scenes sprang out in the game versus Liverpool. A lack of mentality and disorganization was the root of the humiliation suffered in the ‘Battle of the Reds’.

Keeping aside the result of the Liverpool match, Manchester United have been in fine fettle since the return of club football from the World Cup. They have been playing almost three games a week and Erik Ten Hag has steered his side well to grind out favourable results from the thick run of games.

The players have indeed lived up to the task and a defeat, no matter the score, was coming after all of that games. Marcus Rashford has demonstrated fine form recently and in both of the playoffs against Barcelona, the Englishman has carried the Red Devil attack, thus aiding in the team’s resurrection under the new manager.

Meanwhile, Real Betis travel to England without their star player Nabil Fekir who has recently been injured with an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).

Ex-Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini heads the Spanish side and he has steered Real Betis well in recent performances in LaLiga.

The Los Verdiblancos stood strong against Real Madrid in their last league fixture and have extended their unbeaten run to four games in a row (W3, D1).

The Andalucians had a resounding group-stage campaign in the Europa League in which they won five games and drew one only against Roma. Pellegrini’s team will face Manchester United in a run when they have lost only twice in their last twelve away matches in all competitions.

Both teams have been in good form recently and it is surely going to be a cracking match!

Predicted XIs

Manchester United: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Martinez, Malacia; Sabitzer, McTominay; Sancho, Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford

Real Betis: Bravo; Sabaly, Felipe, Pezzella, Miranda; Carvalho, Rodriguez; Canales, Rodri, Perez; Iglesias.