After Liverpool humiliated Manchester United by thrashing them 7-0, Man U retaliates by beating Betis 4-1 in the Europa League’s round of 16.
It was just unfortunate for Betis to be the next team to line up against Manchester United as the angered players took out their frustration on them.
Manchester United came all out in the second half of the game. Three second-half goals ensured Manchester United travel to Spain with a healthy advantage on the aggregate. That game, scheduled for next week, is another chance for United to make amends for the defeat from Liverpool.
Bruno Fernandes’s cross fell right on Marcus Rashford after a deflection from Betis defender Luiz Felipe. Rashford took the ball onto his right foot and beamed a shot over goalkeeper Claudio Bravo into the roof of the net.
In the 32nd minute, Ayoze Perez, the former Leicester City, guided a perfectly placed shot past Man. United goalkeeper David de Gea, leaving the score now in a draw. Betis hit the post again not long before halftime, a welcome whistle for Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United dominate in the second half of the Europa League against Betis
Whatever Man. U’s coach said to his team really worked wonders because they came into the second half playing differently for good. Antony cut inside to his left foot, scoring from over 20 yards out into the top corner. His goal was similar to that which eliminated Barcelona in the previous round of the Europa League.
Minutes later, United scored again with Bruno Fernandes nodding home a corner and Claudio Bravo unable to get his hands up in time.
However, that was not enough for Manchester United, at least not after what Liverpool put the team through some days ago. Wout Weghorst added United’s fourth goal of the game after terrific work from Facundo Pellistri.
The young Uruguayan received a cleared corner. Then, he dribbled along the right-hand side around Betis defenders, sending a low-kick ball into the middle. Claudio Bravo kept out Scott McTominay’s snap shot. But, Weghorst was there to clean it up. It is just the Dutchman’s second goal for United since coming over on loan, and his first at home.
It was always going to be Erik ten Hag’s aim to win by a comfortable margin. Based on the past, he, the players, and the fans needed something to celebrate and look up to after one of the darkest days in the club’s history. After all, that was United’s worst loss of all time, or at least tied for it.
However, this also allows United some breathing room in the Europa League as it looks to get into the quarterfinals yet again. Betis has had success at the Benito Villamarín. Most recently, that was a draw against Real Madrid. However, on the season, the club has six wins, three draws, and three losses at home. Clearly, it was not that easy, even for top clubs in Europe.