The hosts had overcame Barcelona in the knockout round playoffs last month to reach this far in the competition, while Betis finished on top of Group C to earn a direct qualification to the last-16 stage of Europe’s second-tier tournament.
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Manchester United will be hoping to move one step close to securing their second silverware of the season when they host Real Betis in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie at Old Trafford on Thursday night. The hosts had to get the better of Barcelona in the knockout round playoffs last month to reach this far in the competition, while Betis finished on top of Group C to earn a direct qualification to the round of 16 of Europe’s second-tier tournament. The Reds Devils are currently occupying third spot in the Premier League standings, while the visitors are sitting at the fifth position in the La Liga Santander.
Manchester United or Betis?#UEL pic.twitter.com/vA4FFQfbGd
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 8, 2023
Manchester United managed to earn a 1-1 draw against Barcelona in the first leg of the playoff tie at Camp Nou, before securing a thrilling come-from-behind 2-1 win in the home leg at Old Trafford, to progress to the last-16 of the continental competition. After that, the Red Devils defeated Newcastle United 2-0 at Wembley to clinch the EFL Cup title, their first major trophy in six years. Erik ten Hag’s side then defeated West Ham United 3-1 in the FA Cup fifth round clash before they were brought crashing down to earth as Liverpool destroyed them 7-0 at Anfield in the league on Sunday. The result ended United’s 11 game unbeaten streak in all competitions.
Real Betis on the other hand, are heading into the match on the back of a hard-fought goalless draw against Real Madrid in La Liga on Sunday. The result ended their three-game winning streak in the Spanish top flight. Meanwhile Manuel Pellegrini’s side had a near-perfect Europa League group stage, winning five and drawing one in six Group C matches, only dropping point in a 1-1 home stalemate against Roma. Thursday’s encounter will be the first-ever competitive meeting between these two sides in any competition.
Read more: Juventus vs Freiburg: Europa League Live Stream, Form Guide, Schedule, Fixture and Probable Lineups
Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen are sidelined with injuries, while Casemiro has reportedly picked up an injury in the loss at Anfield in the weekend. Marcus Rashford, who has 25 goals to his name across all competitions this season might lead the line, with Bruno Fernandes operating behind him in a free role. As for Betis, attacking midfielder Nabil Fekir has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering an ACL injury, while Juan Cruz is also occupying the treatment room with a muscle issue.
Manchester United Probable line-up: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Martinez, Malacia, Sabitzer, McTominay, Sancho, Fernandes, Garnacho, Rashford
Real Betis Probable line-up: Bravo, Sabaly, Felipe, Pezzella, Miranda, Carvalho, Rodriguez, Canales, Rodri, Perez, Iglesias
Manchester United
| Opponents | Score |
| Liverpool | 7-0 (L) |
| West Ham | 3-1 (W) |
| Newcastle | 2-0 (W) |
| Barcelona | 2-1 (W) |
| Leicester | 3-0 (W) |
Real Betis
| Opponents | Score |
| Real Madrid | 0-0 (D) |
| Elche | 2-3 (W) |
| Valladolid | 2-1 (W) |
| Almeria | 2-3 (W) |
| Celta Vigo | 3-4 (L) |
| Last match-result | Score |
| Betis beat Manchester United | 1-0 |
The UEFA Europa League match between Manchester United and Real Betis will take place at Old Trafford on Friday at 1:30 am IST.
| Manchester United vs Real Betis | Key Details |
| Date | March 9 |
| Venue | Old Trafford |
| Kickoff time in UK | 8:00 pm (Thursday) |
| Kickoff time in Spain | 9:00 pm (Thursday) |
| Kickoff time in India | 1:30 am (Friday) |
The live telecast of the UEFA Europa League matches in India is available on Sony Sports network. Fans will also be able to live stream through Jio TV and Sony LIV. Besides, the match between Manchester United and Real Betis can also be seen on Movistar network in Spain. Meanwhile, those in the UK can catch the live action via the BTSport network.
