> Manchester United's sluggish start
The team started very slowly in the first half, but came back to dominate and dictate the play in the second half.
Only Wout Weghorst's missed sitter was their only clear chance in the first half, while Joaquin was denied by the bar from giving Real a first-half lead. Both teams squandered their chances while the Red Devils struggled.
> A promising start for Facundo Pellistri
Much emphasis has been laid on what the 21-year-old Uruguayan winger has to offer after showing glimpses of his talents this season. Erik Ten Hag has also testified that the former Panerol attacker is a good example and a hard worker on the training grounds.
Facundo Pellistri was handled well in his first start by Erik Ten Hag, and the youngster made the most of it as he was a threat down the flank to the Real Betis defense. His trickery and speed were too much to handle, and his daring take-ons and square plays were fantastic; he almost set up Wout Weghorst for a goal and had to be kept in check from getting on the scoresheet as well.
He was decent defensively, something of which Erik Ten Hag will be proud, and the fact that he played the full 90 minutes means the manager was impressed with him.
> Marcus Rashford on another level
The 25-year-old scored his 27th goal of the season to ensure Erik Ten Hag's side progressed safely into the quarterfinals of the competition.
He has already been named in the England national team squad for the upcoming international break, and scoring against Real Betis makes the week more special. With the goal, he became the youngest player in Manchester United's history to score 25 European League goals; he also beats Cristiano Ronaldo's 24 goals in UEFA competitions for the Red Devils. He as well has extended his record as the most prolific Manchester United player in history by scoring more goals in Spain (5).
> Another trophy haunt continues.
It has become a song in the ears of the fans because, despite winning the Carabao Cup in February, Erik Ten Hag and his men are emphasizing winning more trophies, and they still have the opportunity to do that before the end of the season.
Now a spot in the quarterfinals is secured, and they stand a good chance of beating Fulham on Sunday in the Emirates FA Cup quarterfinals to progress to the semifinals. They are very much going to get another trophy.
> Erik Ten Hag helps banish Man United's Spain demons.
Apart from their 1-0 loss in the first match of the Europa League group stage against Real Sociedad, Erik Ten Hag's side has won all their matches against Spanish opponents this season. That includes eliminating FC Barcelona from the Europa League playoff.
Red Devils fans would have been worried about getting tied up with Spanish opponents this season given their recent history against them. Since 2017, Manchester United's elimination from European competitions has always been at the hands of La Liga outfits. Talk about Sevilla, Atletico Madrid, Villarreal, and Barcelona. Ole Solskjaer's best chance of winning a trophy as Manchester United's manager was denied by Villarreal in the 2019–2020 campaign.
But it seems Erik Ten Hag has helped banish those demons with the manner in which the Red Devils cruised past Real Betis in the Europa League round of 16.
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