Manchester United effortlessly qualified for the quarter-finals of the Europa League on Thursday. The team of trainer Erik ten Hag already defended a 4-1 lead and also managed to beat Real Betis on Spanish soil: 0-1. Match winner Marcus Rashford set a special record with his 27th of the season: he became the youngest player ever to make 25 for United in Europe.
United was already on roses due to last week’s 4-1 and so Ten Hag had the opportunity to rotate. Compared to the game at Old Trafford, Harry Maguire, Facundo Pellistri and Tyrell Malacia also kicked off. For Pellistri it was his first (!) starting spot since his arrival in 2020, while Malacia was allowed to start for the last time on March 1. The duo saw the hosts come out strongest in United’s first-ever half at the Estadio Benito Villamarín.
???? ???????? ???????? Marcus Rashford with a delicious icicle! ?? #BETMUN pic.twitter.com/JuiUyLPh0v
— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) March 16, 2023
41-year-old Joaquín fired at David de Gea’s goal in minute eleven, but saw his effort explode on the post. De Gea had to intervene himself moments later when Aitor Rubal put Juanmi one-on-one with the Spanish goalie. It seemed to remain for rest, until Pellistri caused fireworks on the other side. The basic debutant got the ball in front of his feet after a free kick and hit the post via the ground.
Striker Wout Weghorst was just a toe short of promoting Pellistri’s attempt to goal. United’s goal followed ten minutes after the break. Rashford was able to moor in complete freedom about twenty meters from goal and left Rui Silva without a chance with a vicious swipe. Ten Hag counted in the loot and decided to immediately take his goldcrest to the side. De Tukker was right: Betis was no longer involved until the final whistle.
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