20:00 Thursday

After suffering a humiliating 7-0 defeat at the hands of rivals Liverpool, Erik ten Hag will be keen for a reaction. But with Real Betis keeping Real Madrid at bay last weekend, can the visitors frustrate the Red Devils in this Europa League first leg tie?

Manchester United vs Real Betis Stats

  • Prior to their 0-0 draw with Real Madrid, Real Betis’ last five games had produced 23 goals, an average of 4.6 goals per match
  • Since losing to Brentford in their second game of the season, Manchester United have followed up every defeat with a win
  • Both teams have scored in five of the visitors last six outings

 

Manchester United vs Real Betis Prediction

Betting Tip: Both teams to score

Sunday’s 7-0 defeat to Liverpool marked the first time since October that Manchester United had failed to score in a competitive match but was also their heaviest defeat in the Premier League era.

Erik ten Hag will no doubt have been livid with his side and reports of making them listen to the jubilant celebrations of Liverpool would suggest that anything but a drastic improvement here seems unlikely.

That’s been the case throughout the season as since losing 4-0 to Brentford in the second league game of the campaign, each time they’ve been on the end of a defeat they’ve managed to bounce back with a victory.

However, there could be mental scars after such a heavy defeat and despite being on home soil, they’ll have to do their fair share of defending against a Real Betis side that have hit the back of the net in five of their last six road matches.

Both teams have scored in five of the visitors last six games and although I’m expecting the hosts to be much improved, I think there will be chances to score for each team and so both teams to score makes plenty of appeal.

Betting Tip: Manchester United win & over 2.5 goals

Real Betis were able to keep Real Madrid quiet at the weekend as they earned a 0-0 draw. However, their five outings before that clash produced a colossal 23 goals and it seems unlikely they will be involved in a second drab affair on the spin.

They scored in all three of their away matches in the group stages and although they will be aware that they’re facing a wounded animal, Manuel Pellegrini’s men will be confident they can get themselves on the scoresheet.

Manchester United know how to bounce back and whilst the Liverpool result appears to have brought them back down to earth, it would be foolish to assume that the Dutch manager has not improved the Red Devils.

They’re still a fantastic side and he will be demanding that they go out onto the turf at Old Trafford and show the fans that it was merely a blip and that they’re still looking to dominate games by scoring goals.

This should be a competitive clash but I want to get Manchester United on side here. It could be a frantic encounter with plenty of chances and I like the look of the hosts claiming a first leg advantage by winning and the game itself producing at least three goals in total.

Manchester United vs Real Betis Results

Date Result Competition
10/12/2022 Real Betis 1-0 Man Utd Club Friendly

 

Manchester United vs Real Betis Team News 

Manchester United:

  • Donny van de Beek is ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, while Christian Eriksen may not return to action until April or even May with an ankle injury
  • Expect Erik ten Hag to make changes from their 7-0 hammering against Liverpool for this one. Luke Shaw is likely to be replaced for Tyrell Malacia, as well as Diogo Dalot for Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Real Betis:

  • Nabil Fekir is recovering from a cruciate ligament rupture and is out for the rest of the season
  • Martin Montoya was not registered in Real Betis' squad for the knockout stages, and is unavailable as a result

Manchester United vs Real Betis Lineups:

Predicted lineups are brought to you by WhoScored.com.

Manchester United

De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Malacia, McTominay, Sabitzer, Sancho, Fernandes, Garnacho, Rashford

Real Betis

Bravo, Sabaly, Pezzella, Felipe, Miranda, Carvalho, Rodriguez, Ruilbal, Rodri, Perez, Iglesias

Manchester United vs Real Betis Score Prediction:

Manchester United 3-1 Real Betis