Manchester United responded to Sunday’s 7-0 thrashing by Liverpool to earn a well-deserved 4-1 win over Real Betis in their Europa League last-16 first-leg clash on Thursday evening.
Marcus Rashford’s sixth-minute opener was cancelled out by Ayoze Perez’s equaliser for Betis 26 minutes later. Antony restored the home side’s lead seven minutes after the break with a lovely curling effort before Bruno Fernandes nodded in a third six minutes later.
The toast of the night went to Wout Weghorst after he found the net for the first time in 12 matches on 82 minutes to grab United’s final goal. The Reds travel to Spain next week with a healthy three-goal lead as they look to earn a place in the quarter-finals.
READ MORE: United player ratings vs Real Betis
Here are four things fans may have missed during the victory.
Fernandes congratulates Pellistri
Weghorst finally got his long-awaited goal and he will thank substitute Facundo Pellistri for his assist within a minute of his entry. The Uruguayan looked to be surrounded on all sides by Betis players but somehow managed to find a gap outside to play the ball back to Scott McTominay, whose shot was palmed into the path of Weghorst.
The Dutchman did the rest and ran off in celebration, while Fernandes went over to Pellistri to give him a high-five, wrap his arm around him and congratulate him for his contribution.
Fans get behind Fernandes
Fernandes had been criticised after the 7-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday with his captaincy being questioned. When the names were read out over the tannoy before the game, the midfielder was given a mighty cheer.
The first chant of the match from the terraces was for the Portuguese ace and this continued when he powered home a header from a corner to grab United’s third goal of the night.
Weghorst and Shaw berate Antony
Antony put in an exciting display and grabbed a stylish goal to put United ahead in the second half. He could have had a brace before coming off when sent through one-on-one with Betis goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.
He decided to try and dink the shot-stopper but overcooked his effort much to the annoyance of Fred and Weghorst, who were next to him with an open net. Luke Shaw also let Antony know of his misjudgement.
Real Betis star wraps up very warm
Sometimes current stars face the wrath of ex-players for wearing gloves during baltic weather but Real Betis winger Juanmi took his in-game comfort to another level on what was a snowy night at Old Trafford.
The No.7 - who assisted his side’s equaliser after a handball - played the whole game in leggings underneath his shorts and socks. Nobody tell Roy Keane.
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