Ones to Watch: Manchester United vs Real Betis (Europa League)

Manchester United were subject to one of the most embarrassing defeats in club history on Sunday, and just four days later they return to Old Trafford with a chance to get back on track.

It will take far more than a win in a Europa League round of 16 game to right the wrongs of Sunday afternoon, which was one of Manchester United‘s very darkest hours. But the critical nature of the fixture, being a knockout game, will place extra emphasis on getting the win.

Read More: Ten Hag expected to make FIVE changes from Liverpool defeat in Manchester United predicted XI vs Real Betis

United’s opposition are no minnows, sitting fifth in La Liga and becoming one of the most strongly supported teams in Spanish football. They possess plenty of talented players, and here UtdDistrict highlights one player to watch from each side:

Manchester United – Jadon Sancho

Changes are needed after Sunday, that is without question. Whilst it would be nice to see talented young players such as Kobbie Mainoo, Zidane Iqbal or Facundo Pellistri get minutes, it is unlikely that Erik ten Hag takes the risk with them in such a critical game.

One player who we could well see fully reintegrated into the starting XI however is Jadon Sancho, who has been phased back into the side after having some time off in recent months due to off-pitch struggles.

It may not have gone as planned for Sancho since joining United, but he remains one of the most talented under-23 footballers in Europe. United have been lacking control and reliable ball handlers in recent weeks, and should Erik ten Hag be able to get a tune out of Sancho then it will go a long way to resolving this problem. There is no time like the present, and tonight is the perfect time to bring Sancho back.

Real Betis – Sergio Canales

Having joined in 2018 as a free agent, Sergio Canales has been a leading figure for Betis whilst they have risen to be one of the top teams in La Liga in the last few years under former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini.

An attacking midfielder, Canales often lines up on the right of a 4-2-3-1 formation and is one of the most influential players in possession for Los Verdiblancos. He is their second top goal contributor in La Liga this season and their joint-top scorer in the Europa League.

Canales might not be a superstar name, but he is a very technically talented footballer with a lot of intelligence and if United are not diligent then he is a player that can hurt them in possession.