A stunning strike by Marcus Rashford was enough to earn Manchester United a 1-0 win over Real Betis on Thursday to book their place in the Europa League quarter-finals with a 5-1 aggregate triumph.
At a lively Benito Villamarin stadium, the Red Devils and their Andalusian counterparts engaged in an entertaining match, with home fans briefly believing they could mount a comeback despite trailing by three goals.
Joaquin hit the post for Betis, while Juanmi missed two clear opportunities for the hosts during a strong start.
However, Rashford’s brilliant goal early in the second half put an end to that notion, and United finished the game with ease as Betis’ energy waned.
Coach Erik ten Hag gave 21-year-old winger Facundo Pellistri his first start for Manchester United in sun-drenched Seville, following some impressive cameos off the bench.
Antony was absent due to illness, and Alejandro Garnacho is out for weeks with an ankle injury.
As United attempted to put the game out of Betis’s reach immediately, the Uruguayan adolescent overcooked a cross from the right wing during a brilliant display.
Wout Weghorst attempted to reach a Casemiro-passed corner, but he was unable to do so.
Juanmi, a former Southampton forward, was sent through on goal by the hosts, but his shot went wide of David de Gea’s far post.
Joaquin, a 41-year-old veteran for Betis, drew the club even closer by missing the goal with a long-distance drive.
Juanmi had another golden opportunity to pull Betis back into the game, but De Gea, who was quick off his line, denied him.
Pellistri came close to giving United the lead just before halftime, but his shot hit the post and Weghorst was unable to redirect it into the net with a diving attempt.
United did not have a shot on goal in the first half, but Rashford’s thunderbolt gave them the lead early in the second.
The forward, who has been in remarkable form this season, missed two excellent second-half opportunities but quickly made amends with a vicious shot from outside the penalty area that flew past Rui Silva and into the bottom corner.
This was Rashford’s sixth goal in the tournament and his 27th in all competitions in 43 appearances this season.
In the play-off round, the English forward scored both in the first leg and at Camp Nou against La Liga leaders Barcelona.
Erik ten Hag immediately replaced him and Fred with Jadon Sancho and Marcel Sabitzer, while Manuel Pellegrini substituted Borja Iglesias, Sergio Canales, and Willian Jose, but it was too late to alter the result.
United’s coach took a chance by fielding Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, who were each one yellow card away from suspension, but they avoided punishment.
United’s future is a hot topic, with the Glazer family in talks with rival bidders to sell the club this week at Old Trafford, but one thing is certain: they will be in Friday’s Europa League quarterfinal draw.
Photo by EPA/JULIO MUNOZ
