Manchester United advanced to the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals with a 5-1 aggregate win over Real Betis in the round of 16.
UEFA Europa League
Result: Real Betis 0-1 Manchester United (1-5 agg.)
Date: 16 March 2023
Venue: Benito Villamarín Stadium
Man United made four changes from their goalless draw against Southampton, as Facundo Pellestri got his first start alongside the return of skipper Harry Maguire, Fred and Tyrell Malacia while Antony was ruled out with illness.
In the opening exchanges, Betis, 4-1 behind from the first-leg, had some decent chances as 41-year old Joaquin had a curling strike from range that brushed the far post, with goalkeeper David De Gea not getting close to it.
United had their moments going forward but they were from counter-attacks, as the hosts had another golden chance after the half-hour mark after Aitor Ruibal went through on goal but De Gea quickly came off his line and smothered the effort.
Erik ten Hag's charges came very close to breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time after Pellestri unleashed a volley from a rebound in the box that came off the post and Wout Weghorst could not apply the finishing touches on the follow-up.
The Red Devils were more forceful from the interval as Marcus Rashford beat the offside trap to go clean on goal but he was denied by shot-stopper Rui Silva in a one-on-one from point-blank range.
Rashford eventually broke the deadlock ten minutes into the second stanza and made it 5-1 on aggregate for United with a swerving strike from outside the box that beat the out-stretched arm of Silva.
With the tie already beyond Betis, Ten Hag took the opportunity to rest the legs on the hour-mark as Jadon Sancho replaced Rashford and eight minutes later Bruno Fernandes also made way for Athony Elanga.
The Red Devils were more comfortable on the ball after that, as they passed the ball around without much resistance from Betis but the visitors did not carve out clear chances themselves, as they cruised to the quarter-finals with a 5-1 aggregate win.
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