Manuel Pellegrini will be in the dugout at Old Trafford tonight to face the Red Devils for the 16th time in his managerial career.
Real Betis take on Manchester United this evening in a Europa League Round-of-16 clash, with the Reds having the home advantage for the first leg.
United are unbeaten in 19 matches on home turf, and so are the favourites heading into the tie. They will then travel to Spain next week to play out the second leg at the Benito Villamarin Stadium.
Pellegrini will be all too familiar with taking his place in the away dugout at the Theatre of Dreams, having managed both Manchester City and West Ham United.
He reminded the media of his ties with the Cityzens in a pre-match press conference, whilst reflecting on United’s dismal defeat to Liverpool last weekend.
Pellegrini said (via Football Daily): “It was unbelievable. I was watching the first 45 minutes because after that we had to play against Real Madrid, so I couldn’t see when Liverpool scored the other six goals.
“I am a Manchester City fan also, so I was not very sad about what happened.”
🗣️ “I’m a Manchester City fan also so I was not very sad about what happened.”
Former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini says he wasn’t upset to see Manchester United lose 7-0 against Liverpool. 👀 pic.twitter.com/PAdrZQZz0E
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) March 8, 2023
Footage courtesy of Football Daily.
