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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Isaac Johnson

‘Walkover’ - Manchester United fans confident after Europa League draw hands Real Betis tie

Manchester United fans are confident that their side will progress through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League after drawing Real Betis as last-16 opponents.

United have never played the Spaniards competitively before but faced them in a friendly during December’s World Cup break, losing 1-0 with a heavily weakened and rotated. The Reds will host Betis first on Wednesday, March 8 before the return leg a week later.

The draw came the morning after United’s triumphant 2-1 win over Barcelona in the playoff round. Second-half goals from Fred and Antony saw the hosts to a memorable 4-3 aggregate victory in a competition classic.

READ MORE: Rashford and Martial injury updates ahead of Carabao Cup final

After the game, Erik ten Hag insisted the focus is trained on Sunday’s League Cup final against Newcastle but admitted he was not fearing any side in the Europa League. "It doesn’t matter who will come, we have to beat them all, we know that if you want to win,” he said.”

"We respect every opponent, don’t get me wrong, but if you are well-prepared and we have strong belief, we can do it." Real Betis are currently fifth in La Liga, four points off a Champions League spot.

However, with United having lost just one of their past 20 matches, Reds fans are confident that their team and get past their European counterparts. Some took to Twitter to share their delight with the draw.

@melly1222: United have it in the bag.

@el_tario: Another clear pass for Utd.

@urhobo1stPikin: Walkover.

@Shir800146: I think that's a walk over.

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