Rashford breaks Cristiano Ronaldo’s record as Man United reach Europa League quarterfinals
Manchester United cruised into the Europa League quarterfinals thanks to a 1-0 Round of 16 second leg win at Real Betis.
Erik ten Hag’s visitors took to the pitch at the Estadio Benito Villamarin with a 4-1 first leg advantage, but they were forced to survive an early storm of pressure from the hosts.
The lively Juanmi tested David de Gea in the opening stages, before club icon Joaquin rattled the post, with a superb effort from distance.
However, United held their nerve after the restart, as Marcus Rashford’s long range bullet ended Betis’ resistance and booked United’s place in the next round.
Record breaking Rashford stars in Spain
Just as United looked to be in danger of a inspired Betis fightback, star man Rashford produced a killer intervention, to turn the tide in their favour.
Despite missing two chances prior to his spectacular goal, Rashford’s resilience and quality shone through again, with United in a tense spot.
The winner on the night brings him above Cristiano Ronaldo in United’s all time European goal list, with 25, as he edges up to 27 for the season.
Rashford’s humility will mean he avoids talk of breaking individual records, but he looks certain to replace Robin van Persie as the last United player to score 30+ goals in all competitions by the end of 2022/23.
Under fire Maguire shows United’s squad depth
The inclusion of Harry Maguire in the starting XI may have caused surprise for some United fans given his lack of action in 2023.
However, despite playing an increasingly reduced role, Maguire has remained ready to step in, when called upon by Ten Hag.
He made a key first half block on Juanmi, as Betis looked to up the tempo, and Ten Hag left him on to complete 90 minutes.
Ten Hag has dropped strong hints about Maguire’s lack of a long term future at Old Trafford, but with a demanding schedule on the horizon, it will not be the last time he features for United this season.
Real Betis vs Man United final score
| 1H | 2H | Final | |
| Real Betis | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Man United | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Manchester United win 5-1 on aggregate.
Goals:
MUN — Rashford (57 mins)
Rashford breaks Cristiano Ronaldo’s record as Man United reach Europa League quarterfinals
