Man United were humbled and humiliated by Liverpool at Anfield this weekend but Erik ten Hag’s boys will be hoping to bounce back immediately by putting up a satisfactory performance against Real Betis.
Manchester United lost at Anfield 7-0 and next up, they will face Betis in the Europa League Round of 16. Despite the slump against Liverpool, everyone will be expecting United to win this first leg quite comfortably.
This was United’s first poor performance in months but the nature of the loss has raised a lot of questions regarding the players’ mentality and commitment. Barring the first couple of matches of the season, the Man United players have shown great unity and determination but after Sunday, all their efforts have gone down the drain.
The Red Devils are unbeaten in 20 home games and they should be able to beat Real Betis as well. However, the nature of their performance on Thursday night will say a lot about how the players have taken Sunday’s defeat.
Man United’s team news and injuries:
After the humiliation at Anfield, Ten Hag is bound to make a few rotations but he used his best starting lineup on Sunday and we don’t think too much is going to change.
Varane and Lisandro Martinez had a horrible outing but the pair will remain in central defence when Betis come to town. Dalot, however, will move to the bench because Wan-Bissaka has done really well whenever he’s played.
Fred was also underwhelming and he too will be moved to the bench – making way for Marcel Sabitzer.
Usually, the Man United has put his full faith in Weghorst but on Thursday, the January signing should be a bench warmer. This would mean Bruno Fernandes will move back to his usual No 10 role.
Jadon Sancho and Garnacho are also likely to come into the starting line up but we don’t think Anthony Martial will be available for selection.
The manager has been unable to give a time frame for Martial’s return so it’s very hard to predict when he will be fully fit.
Last week, ETH told the press: ‘I don’t have an expectation about [his return]; let him do his work. Several times now, he comes back, and he drops back too quickly. When he is available, then we have an extra option, and a good option, so give him time.’
Man United predicted line up vs Real Betis:
Predicted Starting XI(4-2-3-1): De Gea; Shaw, Varane, Martinez, Wan-Bissaka; Sabitzer, Casemiro; Fernandes, Garnacho, Jadon Sancho; Rashford.
