Manchester United through to Europa League last eight

• Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United cruised into the quarter-finals of the Europa League after a 1-0 (5-1 aggregate) win over Real Betis
• The Red Devils have won more games in all competitions than any other team in Europe’s big five leagues this season. 

Manchester United cruised into the quarter-finals of the Europa League after a 1-0 (5-1 aggregate) win over Real Betis on Thursday night in Spain.

Marcus Rashford was on the scoresheet again as his impressive form continues. The 25-year-old has been on form since club football resumed following the World Cup. He remains the highest goalscorer in the Europa League this season with six goals in eight matches.

Marcus Rashford and Erik ten Hag. Photo/ News24.

Manchester United are now through to the last eight of the Europa League for the third time in five seasons. The Red Devils will find out their quarter-final opponents in Friday’s draw as they hunt for second trophy this season.

Speaking after the win over Real Betis, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag said that his side performed very well.

“I am happy but we like challenges and we knew that Betis is a good team, we saw that against Real Madrid and Barcelona. But we beat them twice so I think we performed very well. I think we could have taken the lead but there were moments in rest defence and our defensive transition when they could break. We had to avoid that and keep more control on the ball and use the overload in the midfield. We didn’t always do it.” Sky Sports quotes Erik ten Hag.

How Manchester United Cruised To The Last Eight 

Manchester United travelled to Spain with the aim of finishing the job they started last week at Old Trafford. However, ten Hag’s men had a panicky start as they were under intense pressure.

Real Betis were in search for an early goal to reduce the goal deficit on aggregate against Manchester United. Juanmi was put through on goal for a glorious chance with just eight minutes into the match but his shot went wide. David de Gea struggled in possession and he had to be alert, especially after Joaquin’s long shot hit the bar.

Real Betis had the visitors on rope for most of the first half and they created plenty of chances. However, none of them materialized. The Red Devils came close to taking the lead before the end of the first half but Facundo Pellistri’s shot hit the post before bouncing out.

Manchester United began to settle in the second half and Marcus Rashford nearly opened the scoring after being fed by Bruno Fernandes. However, he couldn’t find his way past Real Betis goalkeeper. The England international brushed off the embarrassment with an amazing strike from outside the box.

With an aggregate of 5-1, it was obvious that Manchester United were advancing to the next round. However, they underperformed last night at the Benito Villamarin.

Manchester United beat Real Betis 1-0. Photo/ Football365.

Manchester United are unbeaten in their last seven European away games against Spanish teams. They have won more games in all competitions than any other team in Europe’s big five leagues this season.