Man United hit back with a big win over Betis

MANCHESTER: Marcus Rashford, Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst scored to lead Manchester United to an emphatic 4-1 win over Real Betis in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 first leg on Thursday, four days after their humiliating defeat by Liverpool .

Erik ten Hag’s side, who lost 7-0 to their arch-rivals on Sunday, were keen to hit back quickly and Casemiro’s fifth-minute shot was ruled out for offside.

However, Rashford soon scored his 25th goal of the season in all competitions when he controlled a Fernandes cross and smashed it into the top corner to the delight of Old Trafford fans who braved the cool temperatures and driving snow.

Ayoze Perez, on loan from Leicester City, scored his first goal for Betis in the 32nd minute. There were questions about a handball beforehand, but the VAR officials decided otherwise.

The home side dominated the second half and Brazilian winger Antony sent United into the top corner with a brilliant left-footed shot from just outside the box in the 52nd minute.

Six minutes later, Fernandes shrugged off the scathing criticism he received as captain after Sunday’s poor performance with a header from Betis keeper Claudio Bravo.

Weghorst finally scored in the 82nd minute, having missed numerous chances and deflecting the ball into the net after a back pass from substitute Facundo Pellistri.

In other first legs, Juventus defeated SC Freiburg 1-0 and Shakhtar Donetsk drew 1-1 against Feyenoord.

In previous games, Premier League leaders Arsenal drew 2-2 at Sporting Lisbon, while AS Roma defeated Spain’s Real Sociedad 2-0. In Germany, Belgian club Royale Union defeated Union Berlin 3-3 and Bayer Leverkusen defeated Hungary’s Ferencvaros 2-0. –Reuters