Erik ten Hag has named the Manchester United starting line-up for tonight’s Europa League fixture against Real Betis – and it is the same XI which started against Liverpool.
This is the first leg of the last 16, taking place at Old Trafford, with Betis hosting the second leg next week.
Starting XI: De Gea, Dalot, Martinez, Varane, Shaw, Casemiro, Fred, Antony, Fernandes (c), Rashford, Weghorst
Substitutes: Heaton, Butland, Lindelof, Maguire, Malacia, Wan-Bissaka, Pellistri, McTominay, Mainoo, Sancho, Elanga, Garnacho
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A chance to bounce back
This is Manchester United’s first match since the freak 7-0 away defeat to Liverpool at the weekend. It is a little of a surprise move for the manager to name the same XI, but it is one we respect, he wants to give the players a chance to redeem themselves.
After having several days to stew on the defeat, United’s players will be desperate to get back to action tonight, and will benefit from having the Old Trafford crowd roaring them on.
Real Betis will be tough opponents, Spanish sides always are. They rank fifth in La Liga and held Real Madrid to a 0-0 draw at the weekend.
They are also coached by Manuel Pellegrini, who has only lost three out of 15 matches against Manchester United, a run spanning back to a Champions League clash with Villarreal in 2005 which ended 0-0.