Europa League: Man Utd Stroll Past Betis Into Quarterfinals

Manchester United secured their passage to the Europa League quarterfinals with a 1-0 win over Real Betis on Thursday.

The game was played at a lively Benito Villamarin stadium in Andalucia, with Betis fans hoping for a comeback despite their three-goal deficit from the first leg.

Both teams played an entertaining game, with Betis starting well and creating several chances. However, Marcus Rashford's brilliant goal early in the second half put an end to any hopes of a comeback. The English striker's swerving strike from distance flew past Betis' goalkeeper and into the bottom corner, earning United a 5-1 aggregate triumph.

United coach Erik ten Hag handed 21-year-old winger Facundo Pellistri his first start for the club, and the Uruguayan youngster was instantly involved in a bright display. However, United did not produce a shot on target in the first half.

Rashford's thunderbolt in the second half was enough to secure the win for United. The forward missed two fine chances after the goal, but he has been in remarkable form this season, scoring his sixth goal of the tournament and his 27th across all competitions this season, in 43 appearances.

Despite United's future being a hot topic, with owners the Glazer family in talks with rival bidders to sell the club, they will be in Friday's draw for the Europa League quarterfinals.