Manchester United bounced back from a historic thrashing by Liverpool to beat Real Betis 4-1 in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie.
Head coach Erik ten Hag calling for a response from an unacceptable loss over the weekend to Liverpool, picked an unchanged team and the player’s repaid their manager’s faith in a stella win over Real Betis.
Marcus Rashford smashed United into an early lead with his 26th goal of the season, but Betis levelled against the run of play when Ayoze Perez fired into the far corner.
The visitors could even have gone in front before halftime when Perez’s deflected cross came back off the post.
But it was two of United’s most fiercely criticised stars in recent days who made the difference after the break.
Antony curled a brilliant shot into the top corner before Bruno Fernandes, who Ten Hag named again as captain, headed in Luke Shaw‘s corner.
Wout Weghorst then netted just his second goal in 15 appearances for United by pouncing from close range six minutes from time.
This victory put United in a strong position to reach the last eight when the tie is concluded in Seville next week.
