Manchester United travelled to Seville to take on Real Betis in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie. The Reds won 1-0 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate to book their place in tomorrow’s quarter-final draw.
It had all of us at ease going into the game with a three-goal advantage. Nobody saw Real Betis coming back but tonight’s game was a lively affair. They had a go and we kept a clean sheet, as well as won away from home in Europe. So many reasons to be happy.
A good night all round for United.
Marcus Rashford scored from a rocket strike in the second half to give United the win. Here are three observations we took from the game in Seville:
Facundo Pellistri was a threat
Much of the talk before the game was whether Facundo Pellistri would get a start. Erik ten Hag’s decision was helped by Antony’s absence, but the Uruguayan played well. He was a threat on the right flank and I think his performance warrants more opportunities in the first team between now and the end of the season.
Pellistri carried the ball well and looked to take his man on. He was very direct and like having players like that out wide. The winger has a burst of pace to get in behind defenders, too.
No concerns over suspensions
Erik ten Hag played with our minds tonight by keeping Casemiro and Fernandes on the pitch for as long as possible. Both players needed to avoid a booking to be available for the first leg of the quarter-finals since they were walking a suspension tightrope. The midfield pair were very good on the night.
De Gea off his line!
For all the talk about De Gea’s unwillingness to come off his line, I thought he was very good tonight. Sometimes you have to point out little things like this because they get lost at times when players are subject to criticism, especially on social media. De Gea put in a strong performance tonight as United professionally put the game to bed.
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