Manchester United will be looking to secure a complete progression into the Europa League quarter-finals when they face off with Real Betis in Seville on Thursday night.
The Red Devils are already in a commanding position after beating their hosts 4-1 in the first leg of the tie in Manchester. Wout Weghorst, Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Bruno Fernandes all got on. the scoresheet as Erik Ten Hag's side dominated the La Liga outfit.
Erik Ten Hag had already given insights into the team's squad depth as well as players who are likely to step up in the absence of others. Brazilian winger Antony Santos didn't travel with the rest of the squad to Seville, as the manager confirmed that the 23-year-old is out due to illness. Erik Ten Hag indicated that there are replacements in the squad for the former Ajax man.
"You will see tomorrow," he stated during his press conference on Wednesday night.
"We have some options. Of course we have Sancho, we have Elanga, and we have Bruno. "So we have several options, but Pellistri is definitely also one, and he is doing really well lately since he came on.”
The duo of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes are just one yellow card away from being hit with a match ban, but this accumulation expires if they both manage to avoid getting booked during the Red Devils' clash with Real Betis on Thursday night, which would make them available for the quarterfinals of the competition.
Erik Ten Hag has however made it clear that both will play a part while the Red Devils play in Seville, as their Thursday opponent can't be underestimated.
"No, we play both because it’s a very good opponent. Last week we had a good result, but we have to go again, and you need your best players. "We need a result; we need a win, so then we need our best team.”
"It's always serious, and we will play our best team." We have to put up a team that can adapt during the game. We know our opponent can do it because they have a good team and really good players. "They have a lot of variations, so we have to be aware of that, and we have to be ready to go and battle with them," he explained.
Anthony Martial, who has been training with the rest of the squad, didn't travel with the squad to Spain, but Victor Lindelof and Marcel Sabitzer did. The manager has as well considered how the team will deal with Alejandro Gernacho's absence as the teenage Argentine is set to be out for weeks; although Erik Ten Hag didn't give a time frame, he nevertheless hinted the player will be out for some time.
"I can't say exactly at this moment, but it will take weeks," he stated.
"So it’s a serious injury I didn’t expect." "A foul and a serious injury once again, after Christian Eriksen, a serious injury after a contact."
"Of course, it’s difficult," he added.
"He makes good progress, and he was selected by the national team." It was a big moment for him, and he was making really good progress. You don’t want to disturb that process. "Now we have to step away from it, but he will be back before the end of the season."
"What he has to do now is deal with that setback and then work and invest to get back before the end of the season." "Because this season we can win a lot, he has to be ready to get back as soon as possible," he explained.
That leaves Manchester United with five absentees, while two players returned to the matchday squad.
Possible lineup
Defense
David De Gea between the sticks, Lisandro Martinez, and Victor Lindelof in defense. Wan Bissaka is at the right back, while Tyler Malacia starts on the left back.
Mid field
Casemiro is a sure starter, and Fred and Bruno Fernandes will complete him in the midfield trio.
Attack
Jadon Sancho will start on the right flank, Marcus Rashford on the left, and Wout Weghorst will spearhead the attack.
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