With nightmares of their Anfield mauling still fresh in the memory, Manchester United return to Europa League action with the visit of Real Betis to Old Trafford for the first leg of their last-16 tie on Thursday night.

The Red Devils progressed past Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate in the knockout round playoffs, while Manuel Pellegrini’s crop beat Roma, HJK Helsinki and Ludogorets to top spot in Group C.

The Erik ten Hag era suffered its biggest and most humiliating setback yet as Manchester United were pummelled 7-0 by arch-rivals Liverpool last time out. The Dutchman described his side’s second-half performance as ‘unprofessional’ and he now has the task of picking his players up to tackle a UEFA Europa League Round of 16 tie with Real Betis. He’ll be confident of achieving that though, given that both the Red Devils’ previous 3+ goal defeats this term were followed by victories.

While the Old Trafford faithful were bruised by that drubbing, they’ll be sure to get behind their side who are unbeaten on home soil since September (W17, D2). They’ll be aware that United’s last defeat on their own turf was to Spanish opposition in the form of Real Sociedad in this season’s group stage however, and although they impressively knocked out Barcelona to get to this stage, they’ve been eliminated by Spanish opposition in each of their last five European campaigns.

The Andalusians have been comfortable on their travels of late, winning each of their last three road trips, with the last two decided by a 3-2 scoreline. They’re also unbeaten in five UEL matches away from home (W4, D1), whilst also sailing through the group stages without tasting defeat (W5, D1), so they’re unlikely to be intimidated by the Old Trafford crowd.

Key battle: Red Devils’ midfield stalwart Casemiro has lost just two of his 12 personal H2H meetings with Betis (W7, D3). He could be tasked with restricting Betis loanee Ayoze Pérez, who assisted twice in his last clash against the Manchester club, part of a 4-2 Leicester victory.

Hot stat: Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has faced United four times in European competition, all ending in 0-0 draws while in charge of Villarreal.

Manchester United Europa League form:

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Manchester United form (all competitions):

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Real Betis Europa League form:

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Real Betis form (all competitions):

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Manchester United possible starting lineup:

De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Martinez, Malacia; Fred, McTominay; Sancho, Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford

Real Betis possible starting lineup:

Bravo; Sabaly, Felipe, Pezzella, Miranda; Carvalho, Rodriguez; Canales, Rodri, Perez; Iglesias

With a refreshed XI taking on a Fekir-less Real Betis side – who are not always adept at keeping things tight at the back – the stage is set for a confidence-rocked Man United to continue their Old Trafford excellence and return to winning ways.

Pellegrini’s side have developed an affinity for goalscoring and can still be expected to trouble Ten Hag’s backline, but we still have faith in the Red Devils to glean a slender first-leg advantage before next week’s trip to Spain.