Manchester United will welcome Real Betis to Old Trafford on Thursday night for the first leg of the Europa League round of sixteen. The Red Devils suffered their worst-ever defeat on Sunday as they were destroyed 7-0 at the hands of Liverpool on their visit to Anfield, so they will need to bounce back even though they are morally down at the moment.
Erik ten Hag will probably opt for the 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to make a host of changes to the first XI for this home encounter. Alejandro Garnacho could play from the start as Wout Weghorst drops to the bench while Marcel Sabitzer could get the nod over Fred in the central areas.
4-2-3-1 Manchester United Predicted XI Vs Real Betis
Defence
David de Gea is expected to keep his place between the sticks for the upcoming clash. The Spanish shot-stopper would look to put up a strong performance after conceding seven goals in his last outing.
Raphael Varane will continue alongside Lisandro Martinez as they form the customary centre-half partnership at the heart of United’s backline. Luke Shaw should start at the left-back position, whereas Aaron Wan-Bissaka will fill in on the other flank as the right-back.
Tyrell Malacia and Diogo Dalot will take a spot on the bench to provide cover for the defensive positions.
Midfield
Casemiro is expected to start in the defensive midfield position, whereas Marcel Sabitzer should replace Fred as the central midfielder.
Bruno Fernandes remains a sure-fire starter for Man United this week and it’ll be an understatement to say The Red Devils will be highly dependent on the Portugal international’s creative work if they wish to pick up the lead in the first leg.
Fred and Scott McTominay will have to settle for a place on the bench but could be brought on in the second half of the contest if needed.
Attack
Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho will take up the wide positions, looking to cause a menace for the Betis defenders down the right and left-wing, respectively.
Marcus Rashford is expected to lead the line at Old Trafford for this contest. The English forward’s adept movement in front of the goal could cause a lot of trouble for the opposition defenders as he carries most of the goal-scoring burden for the Red Devils.
Antony could be brought off the bench as an impact substitute in the second forty-five minutes of the match.
