Image:2020 Soccrates Images B.V.)
Manchester United traveled to Seville with a 4-1 lead from the first leg, all but assuring their progression to the Europa League quarter-finals. Although Betis made United work hard in the early stages of the game, Marcus Rashford’s stunning strike silenced the home crowd and secured a 1-0 win on the night, giving United an impressive 5-1 aggregate triumph.
The second leg started poorly for United, with Juanmi wasting a glorious chance and Joaquin striking the post from distance. Facundo Pellistri hit the post for United at the end of a poor first half, but United’s performance improved in the second half. Rashford looked sharp and followed an inexplicable miss moment earlier by unleashing a stunning 25-yard strike that ensured United’s first away trip since their Anfield annihilation ended in a win.
Betis’ 50,000-plus fans were always here in hope rather than expectation given their three-goal deficit, but they started strongly, wasting a glorious eighth-minute chance. United was caught out of position, and Ayoze Perez sent Juanmi through, only for the forward to drag his shot across the face of the goal with Harry Maguire breathing down his neck. It was a huge let-off for United, followed by Joaquin unleashing a stunning 30-yard effort that hit the post after a slight Casemiro deflection. Betis were making life uncomfortable for a strong-looking United side, but Ten Hag’s man eventually managed to attempt to prod it home, but he was unable to stretch to meet it, just as he had been unable to reach a Casemiro header early in the game.Â
Rashford was one of the players to miss early in the second half as he played with the bit between his teeth and his shots were wayward. The 25-year-old was furious with himself after he uncharacteristically squandered a brilliant opportunity, but Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva denied him after Fernandes played onto him. As soon as he felt that frustration building up, Rashford unleashed it in spectacular fashion. In the 55th minute, he received a long pass from Casemiro and, after dribbling the ball around a bit, unleashed a ferocious 25-yard strike that sailed into the back of the net to the utter dismay of the Betis faithful.
Image Credits: Football 365
Manchester United’s brilliant goal
United’s brilliant goal put an end to any hopes of an improbable comeback by Betis, and De Gea made a fine reaction save to deny Perez from a corner shortly before Rashford’s goal. United was looking for a second goal in Seville, and Maguire’s header went wide. Substitutes Jadon Sancho and Marcel Sabitzer also had opportunities. United exerted the kind of control Ten Hag desired from the outset, and it resulted in the withdrawal of Fernandes, who was balancing a suspension with Casemiro, and the saving of an attempt by Weghorst.
More adjustments softened the blow of a draw that left United’s visiting fans demanding that the Glazer family sell the club. United cruised to victory and will now anxiously await the quarterfinal draw and their potential road to the Europa League final in Budapest.
