Manchester United eased into the Europa League quarter-finals as Marcus Rashford 's 27th goal of the season secured a 1-0 second-leg win and 5-1 aggregate victory over Real Betis.
The Spaniards started the better of the two sides with a number of opportunities before Wout Weghorst missed a golden chance to notch his third Red Devils' goal. Rashford then spurned two openings as United aimed to add to their aggregate advantage.
The academy graduate did eventually manage to get on the scoresheet as his powerful effort from range saw his side claim the lead and victory in Spain. United as a result progressed with eventual ease and will now look forward to Friday's draw.
Here are all of the talking points from the Benito Villamarín:
United survive poor start
Heading to Spain with a three-goal advantage in their possession, the Red Devils might have been accused of being initially slightly too relaxed for the second leg. Betis had at least three chances to take the lead in what was a difficult opening period for the visitors.
Former Southampton striker Juanmi at first place a golden chance wide of the post before drawing a save out of David de Gea when one-on-one. Between those two chances, Betis icon Joaquin saw an excellent effort bounce off of the outside of the post.
In the end, the hosts were not able to claim a quickfire advantage that might have made the evening slightly more uncomfortable for their Premier League opponents.
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Weghorst's horror miss
Whilst the hosts were guilty of missing some wonderful chances, United striker Wout Weghorst might reflect on his own golden opportunity spurned. As half-time approached, the Dutchman looked sure to give the Red Devils a second leg lead after latching onto an instinctive shot from Facundo Pellistri.
Somehow, he diverted his effort onto the post. The on-loan Burnley man has done a respectable job for the Red Devils so far this season but that kind of poor finishing might well be a reason why it looks like he doesn't have a long-term future at Old Trafford.
Pellistri has promising debut
From the current Man United forward to potentially a future star now with Uruguayan frontman Pellistri handed his full Red Devils' debut by Ten Hag. The 21-year-old displayed plenty of promise throughout his 90 minute outing.
His speed and trickery down the right-hand side were useful weapons for United, whilst he almost set up Weghorst for the opener.
Reports over recent days have suggested that Pellistri could be loaned out in the summer but ahead of any transfer decision, the youngster will certainly be hoping to add a few more impressive outings to his record this season.
Rashford sends Southgate message
Currently the Red Devils' top scorer, there was only going to be one man to open the scoring for Ten Hag's side - Rashford. The striker extended his electric form with a stunning goal against Betis at the third attempt.
He took aim from the edge of the penalty area and let fly with a booming effort that swerved and dipped into the bottom corner. With the strike, he overtook Cristiano Ronaldo in Man United's list of all-time European scorers.
It was his 27th goal of the season and was a perfect message to England boss Gareth Southgate. Rashford was confirmed to be included in the England squad for this month's internationals. After just one start at the World Cup, he will certainly be keen for more action for the Three Lions over the coming weeks.
Red Devils avoid more Spain pain
Heading to Seville, there would have been a fair reason for Man United supporters to be concerned despite their considerable first-leg advantage. Since 2017, the Red Devils had seen their European journies ended at the hands of Spanish opposition.
Betis' cross-city rivals Sevilla had twice dumped them out, whilst Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Villarreal had also overcome them over recent seasons. There was no threat of that happening this time around.
It is not the first time that United have overcome that record this season either having ousted the Catalan giants earlier this term. Regardless, the Red Devils will no doubt be more confident of facing another Spanish side should either of Sevilla or Real Sociedad come out of Friday's draw.
