Marcus Rashford's darting long-range goal gave Manchester United a 1-0 victory at Real Betis on Thursday, moving them into the quarterfinals of the Europa League with a 5-1 overall success.
The Red Devils and their Andalucian opponents engaged in an entertaining match at a packed Benito Villamarin stadium. Home supporters briefly thought they could launch a comeback despite their three-goal disadvantage.
After the hosts got off to a strong start, Juanmi missed two clear chances, and Betis' Joaquin hit the post.
Nevertheless, Rashford's spectacular strike early in the second half ended that notion, as United easily won the match as Betis' energy levels dwindled.
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After a few impressive cameos from the bench, Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag gave 21-year-old winger Facundo Pellistri his first start in sun-drenched Seville.
Due to illness, Antony could not play, and Argentina's Alejandro Garnacho has been out for weeks with an ankle injury.
The young Uruguayan player made an immediate impact with a strong performance, mishandling a cross from the right as United attempted to put Betis out of the game as soon as possible.
Casemiro flicked Wout Weghorst toward a corner, but For him to understand, it was too far away.
Juanmi, the former Southampton forward, was through on goal but failed the far post with his attempt.
Veteran Joaquin, 41, of Betis, who crashed a long drive off the post, brought his team closer.
De Gea denied Juanmi. De Gea was quick off his line, despite having another excellent opportunity to get Betis back into the game.
Just before halftime, Pellistri came close to giving United the lead, but his shot hit the post, and Weghorst could not deflect it in as he lunged in.
Despite not having a shot on goal in the first half, Rashford's thunderbolt gave United the lead early in the second.
After the break, the attacker, who has been in exceptional form this season, squandered two good opportunities but quickly made up for it with a ferocious shot from outside the area that sailed past Rui Silva and into the bottom corner.
Rashford scored his sixth goal of the competition and 27th goal overall in 43 games this season.
The English forward scored in both the first leg and the play-off round against La Liga's top team, Barcelona, at Camp Nou.
After the goal, Erik ten Hag substituted Jadon Sancho and Marcel Sabitzer for him and Fred, and Pellegrini added Borja Iglesias, Sergio Canales, and Willian Jose. However, it was far too late Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro were each one caution away from suspension as United's coach lined them up, but they avoided punishment.
The Glazer family, who own United, is negotiating with rival buyers this week at Old Trafford to sell the team. Nevertheless, one thing is sure: United will be included in Friday's draw for the quarterfinals of the Europa League. to alter the outcome of the match.
