A nice strike from Marcus Rashford ensured Manchester United (opens in new tab)‘s comfy passage to the quarter-finals of the Europa League, as Erik ten Hag’s aspect beat Actual Betis 1-0 within the second leg of their final 16 tie in Seville and 5-1 on mixture.
With a wholesome 4-1 lead from the primary leg, United already had one foot within the final eight, however there may need been a little bit trigger for concern throughout a gripping first half on the Estadio Benito Villamarin, the place Betis got here out all weapons blazing and spurned a number of respectable probabilities to scale back the deficit.
However any lingering doubts about United’s progress had been firmly put to mattress 11 minutes after the break as Rashford – a thorn in Betis’ aspect till he was substituted off on the hour mark – unleashed a venomous effort from 25 yards to depart goalkeeper Rui Silva with completely no likelihood.
It continued an outstanding season for the 25-year-old, who had already surpassed his earlier single-campaign targets whole and has now discovered the online 27 instances in all competitions this time period – together with 19 in 24 appearances because the World Cup.
Rashford can also be at present the highest scorer within the 2022/23 Europa League with six targets – the earlier of which opened the scoring within the first leg of this tie.
United are by way of to the final quarter-finals of the Europa League for the fourth time in as many appearances – and the twenty eighth European quarter-final of their historical past.
Premier League leaders Arsenal (opens in new tab) shall be hoping to affix United within the final eight; the Gunners host Sporting Lisbon within the second leg of their final 16 tie afterward Thursday night.
The draw for the Europa League quarter-finals (opens in new tab) takes place on Friday afternoon.
United are subsequent in motion on Sunday, once they entertain Fulham (opens in new tab) within the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
