Erik ten Hag can change the Manchester United mood in three days

Sunday’s result has completely changed the mood at Old Trafford, from one of celebration and optimism to complete rock bottom. It is of paramount importance that Erik ten Hag and his players bounce back quickly and with purpose if they are to put their Anfield collapse behind them and continue to move forward.

Luckily for Manchester United, they have two perfect opportunities to do so in the week following their devastating loss, with two home matches in quick succession as they host Real Betis on Thursday before Southampton make the trip to Old Trafford on Sunday.

The Europa League provides United with the chance to add to the Carabao Cup they secured last week. Having eliminated fellow heavyweights Barcelona in the previous round they will be confident of making it deep into the competition. A Europa League trophy would also secure United’s place in the Champions League for next season, although everything seems to point towards Ten Hag’s men finishing in the top four of the Premier League.

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Betis will come to Old Trafford having gone unbeaten in their last four outings, including three wins and most recently a draw against Champions League holders Real Madrid. The Spanish side sit fifth in La Liga, three points behind fourth-placed Real Sociedad who won 1-0 at Old Trafford earlier this season.

Real Betis also recently beat United 1-0 in a friendly match played during the World Cup break. The side fielded by the Reds was far from their strongest, but Ten Hag and Manuel Pellegrini will have learnt valuable lessons to take into this week's clash.

Despite how both sides will be coming into the game, United remain favourites to make it to