Manchester United bounced back from their seven-goal humiliation against Liverpool in emphatic style with a deserved 4-1 win at home over Real Betis in the Europa League.
Marcus Rashford, Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst were all on the scoresheet for Erik ten Hag’s side, after Ayoze Perez had temporarily brought the visitors level in the first half.
Notably, Ten Hag named an unchanged starting line-up to the side that capitulated just four days previously at Anfield and it paid off – with United’s remarkably strong home record now extended to 20 matches.
Here are five talking points from Old Trafford as an impressive United hit back at their critics.
Rashford returns to goals
It took Marcus Rashford just six minutes of this tie to net his 26 th goal of the season as he continues to build on the most impressive campaign of his career. The 25-year-old had however gone two games without a goal and his EFL Cup final goal – which was heavily deflected – was his only strike in the past four games.
He continues to be the talisman and attacking leader of this United team, with his smashed finish from a close angle demonstrating his confidence and self-belief.
Fernandes answers critics
Bruno Fernandes was in the firing line as he was the captain during the capitulation at Anfield on Sunday, but plenty of emotional criticism levelled at him was unfair and inaccurate.
Nevertheless, the Portuguese maestro had a point to prove in this game and he did so emphatically; playing his part in multiple flowing attacks before heading home from a corner to give United a two-goal cushion in the tie.
Fernandes always fronts up and has almost constantly been available for selection since joining United three years ago – and his role is crucial if the team enjoy further successes this campaign.
Response to Liverpool loss
Coming just four days after the humiliating defeat against Liverpool, all eyes were likely to be on Erik ten Hag’s team selection for this game and his side’s response.
On the first question, the answer emphatic: the same players that got United into that mess were charged with them getting out of it. Initially, United flew out of the blocks – having a goal chalked off for offside after two minutes before Rashford’s goal soon after did count.
There were multiple opportunities after that too, as the home side’s players looked motivated and driven but as soon as Betis equalised, against the run of play, the somewhat fragile self-confidence was on show with individual and collective errors aplenty – before the half-time break helped recharge their batteries.
It is likely that it will take multiple matches for United to get their Anfield horror show out of their system but as with their heavy losses at Brentford and Man City earlier this season, that did spark a prolonged spell of strong form. This was a strong start.
Antony frustrates before thrilling
It is not the fault of Antony that Manchester United agreed to pay an eye-catching transfer fee for him from Ajax this summer – a show of just how much Erik ten Hag trusts and values his presence.
Many United fans easily become frustrated with the Brazilian, not because he is lacking in talent or work ethic, but because they view his style of play as predictable; always cutting inside onto his left foot, and steadfastly refusing to use his right peg.
He may have just one trick, but that one trick is absolutely astonishing: finding the top corner with a wonderfully curled finish as he…cut inside onto his left foot. Antony is an incredibly talented player with his peak years still to come – but he already has quite an impressive highlights reel from his fledging United career.
Spanish test again
Since winning the Europa League in 2017, Manchester United have crashed out of Europe in every single season since to Spanish opposition: Sevilla, Barcelona, Sevilla, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid.
That speaks somewhat to United’s struggles against La Liga teams, but also how regularly they play them. Including group stages and knockout ties, United have been paired against a Spanish side in six successive European draws – stretching back to the Europa League final against Villarreal two seasons ago.
Betis are fifth in La Liga and have a strong shout of securing Champions League football for next season – despite United’s success over Barcelona, this was always going to be a big challenge.
