Bruno Fernandes Man United
Bruno Fernandes

Man United lost further ground in the Premier League title race by drawing against Southampton on Sunday but their Europa League campaign is still very much on course.

They beat Real Betis 4-1 in the first leg of their Round of 16 clash and this week, they head to Spain to play the second leg. A three-goal lead should be enough to see this round through and barring a major collapse from the away team, it will be really hard for Betis to turn things around.

Erik ten Hag’s team has been in fine form this whole season but that 7-0 loss to Liverpool has certainly shaken things up a bit. They went down to 10 men against Southampton but still managed to pick up a point, however, in terms of the title race that is two points dropped by Man United.

The match at Old Trafford was the first time these two sides had met in a competitive scenario and this time again, the odds are very much in favour of the Premier League outfit.

Manchester United’s team news and injuries:

Casemiro picked up a red card on Sunday but that suspension will not affect his Europa League availability and with Marcel Sabitzer out injured, the Brazilian international will most certainly start.

Apart from Sabitzer, Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen are also ruled out[with long-term injuries] which means Fred will get to play alongside his international teammate.

Harry Maguire will be pushing for a start on Thursday but because this one’s an away game in Spain, Erik ten Hag will most likely rely on the pairing of Varane and Martinez.

Alejandro Garnacho was at the receiving end of a bad tackle on Sunday and was seen leaving Old Trafford on crutches. However, the Man United manager has confirmed that the injury is not too serious.

ETH said, as quoted: ‘He was a little bit limping after the bad tackle. I don’t want to go for risk – we were already down [to ten men] – with players who were [just] 90 per cent. I think it is not too bad.’

Sancho, Antony, Rashford and Weghorst all started against the Saints but because Fred is coming into the side there will be a change in shape so either Antony or Jadon Sancho will drop to the bench.

Man United predicted starting line up vs Real Betis:

Predicted Starting Line up(4-2-3-1): De Gea; Luke Shaw, Martinez, Varane, Wan-Bissaka; Casemiro, Fred; Rashford, Antony/Sancho, Fernandes; Weghorst.

Man United predicted line up vs Real Betis - 2nd leg - UEL 22/23