Real Betis defender Youssouf Sabaly has detailed his approach to keeping Marcus Rashford quiet during Thursday's Europa League clash.
Betis flew to Manchester earlier this week as they prepare to face United in the first of their two-legged last-16 tie. The Spanish side topped their group before the World Cup break, handing them an automatic place in the draw while Erik ten Hag's men had to come through a play-off round against Barcelona.
A win against La Liga's top side sees United head into the game as favourites for a quarter-final place, but a resolute Betis will be no easy task. Managed by former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, the Spanish outfit drew 0-0 with Real Madrid on Sunday and are only three points off the Champions League places.
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Key to keeping Madrid at bay was a strong defensive performance from right-back Sabaly, who kept Vinicius Junior quiet at the Benito Villamarín Stadium. And with another massive task ahead in managing Rashford, the 30-year-old has been hard at work in his preparation.
“I saw clips of United matches, but we all know their big names. At the offensive level they are very dangerous, it is a very complete team," the right-back told AS ahead of the game. “I study the footballer that I will have in front of me to find out if he tends to take more advantage of speed or to find out how I can defend him.”
Knowing how to stop Rashford and actually doing it are two very different things, however, with the United forward in the form of his life. 25 goals for the season is already a record for him with three months to spare and the England star has been unstoppable at Old Trafford since returning from the World Cup.
But Sabaly insists his side don't fear Rashford or the Old Trafford atmosphere, and the Senegal international is hoping to take a good result back to Seville for next week's second leg.
He added: "There is no fear, we know it will be difficult, especially there in front of your audience. But we will try to achieve a good result."
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