Real Betis 0-1 Manchester United: Marcus Rashford nets as Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils book quarter-final spot

Manchester United booked their spot in the Europa League quarter-finals, easing through 5-1 on aggregate against Real Betis after a stunning Marcus Rashford strike proved the difference in the second leg. Erik ten Hag set out his intentions from the get-go, naming a strong starting line-up despite bringing a 4-1 first-leg victory to the Benito Villamarin Stadium. Ad But The Red Devils were made to work for their place in the last eight, particularly in the first half.

Real Betis started by far the better side and nearly opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Juanmi was played through on David De Gea. Europa LeagueScholes defends Maguire England call-up despite lack of Man Utd minutesAN HOUR AGO The Spanish forward dragged his effort wide of the mark, but the hosts kept coming and went even closer two minutes later when Joaquin’s long-range effort clipped the outside of the post. It was end-to-end stuff in the opening period, with De Gea called into action again in the 32nd minute to deny Juanmi and keep the game level.

United did weather the storm slightly and could have gone in at the break ahead after Facundo Pellistri hit the post in added time, with the rebound somehow evading Wout Weghorst. The second period began the same way as the first, with the hosts on the front foot, but Rashford extinguished any lingering hopes the Spanish side had with a magnificent strike from outside the box in the 56th minute to settle the tie once and for all. From there, United saw out the tie pretty comfortably and Ten Hag will be pleased to see his side come through unscathed.