Man United have perfect opportunity to right Liverpool wrong and evoke glorious European nights

European nights at Old Trafford are often special, they carry a Manchester United magic and boy could Erik ten Hag's side could do with some stardust when Real Betis come to town on Thursday, given their weekend thumping at Anfield.

Sunday's 7-0 defeat to Liverpool equalled the heaviest defeat in the United's 145 years of existence. But it's not the first time United have lost a pivotal Premier League match right before a big European occasion at Old Trafford. And while it is the Europa League this time around, rather than the continent's top table, the competition represents a real chance of silverware for ten Hag's side and the chance to right the wrongs of the Merseyside drubbing.

Casting your mind back through the club's recent history provides plenty of examples where United have bounced back from domestic damage to produce European enchantment. Every April 29th for the past 15 years, Paul Scholes' stunning strike against Barcelona resurfaces across social media to mark the latest anniversary of the great goal which sent United through to the 2008 Champions League final, where Chelsea were beaten in Moscow.

READ MORE: Ten Hag can revert to best United attack vs Real Betis

But three days before Scholes scored that stunner, it was Avram Grant's side celebrating instead of Sir Alex Ferguson and company. Michael Ballack scored a late penalty that blew the title race wide open. It meant the west London side moved level on points with United at the top of the table. On that occasion, United dusted themselves down and found a response.

It's a characteristic this club has shown time and again. Almost 12 months prior to the Barca contest, United suffered a shock defeat at Portsmouth in the Premier League on the eve of