Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias explains why he admires Marcus Rashford ahead of Manchester United tie

Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias has praised Marcus Rashford for his impact off the pitch in raising social issues ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash.

Betis face United at Old Trafford in the first of their two-legged last-16 tie on Thursday evening, having topped their group prior to the World Cup break. Erik ten Hag's side finished behind Real Sociedad and had to come through a playoff round, beating Barcelona 2-1 at home after a draw at Camp Nou.

Victory against La Liga's top side put United as favourites but a resolute Betis will be no easy task. Manuel Pellegrini's side drew 0-0 against Real Madrid on Sunday and are in with a fighting chance of a Champions League place. Much of their attacking success this season has come via Iglesias, whose 10 league goals are more than twice anyone else at the club.

ALSO READ: How United should line up vs Real Betis

Similarly to Rashford, the 30-year-old is outspoken on issues off the pitch and is using his status as a professional footballer to make a social impact. And the Betis striker has praised his counterpart ahead of Thursday's clash.

“Rashford was young when I saw him back then against Celta [in 2017] but he already had the ability to make the difference and he’s even better now: big but skilful, he can run beyond you, score goals, create, play in a variety of ways," Iglesias told the Guardian. "Obviously, I admire him for the player he is, but also because of who he is: off the pitch he is an example, committed to social issues, bringing visibility, unafraid to express himself. It’s not a pose, and people see that.

“He has shown the power players can have, the responsibility to say: ‘Look, things are like this but we have an opportunity to leave things better.’