Manchester United are set to face Real Betis in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 at Old Trafford on Thursday, March 9. Last Word on Sports puts together a Manchester United Predicted Lineup as the Red Devils aim to bounce back from their embarrassing loss to Liverpool by picking up a dominant win at home.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs Real Betis
Ready for Thursday 💪#MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/KTKKOxY6aO
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 8, 2023
How Manchester United Have Lined-Up Recently
Erik ten Hag experimented a little too much against Liverpool and was made to pay, seeing his side concede six goals in one half in a 7-0 defeat at Anfield. It was a bit of a freak result that was completely unexpected, but it could serve as a necessary reality check to get any sense of complacency out of the squad.
The Dutch coach started with his go-to back-five for the game in David de Gea, Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw. This backline has started the majority of games this season, but failed to stop the Reds from scoring. Ten Hag is likely to drop a number of defenders for the next game, including Shaw – whom he hailed as ‘fabulous‘ earlier this season.
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The midfield trio of Casemiro, Fred and Bruno Fernandes also failed to impress – but they’re the only experienced option right now – which means the three should keep starting games. Wout Weghorst has started in an unconventional no.10 role in recent weeks, but his disappointing showing at Anfield should see him dropped – while Jadon Sancho can also come in for the inconsistent Antony.
Manchester United Recent Form and Tactics
United’s loss to Liverpool marked their first loss in 12 games across all competitions. Despite that embarrassing loss, the Red Devils still boast an impressive recent form – having won nine out of their last 12 matches – which also includes the Carabao Cup final.
Despite their recent crushing loss, they are unlikely to make major changes to their tactics or the system. Ten Hag is likely going to continue with the 4-3-3 formation that has been serving really well for his side for the majority of this season so far.
He is also going to urge them to continue the playing style that has helped them. That includes being brave in quickly moving the ball from the defence into the attack – with inspired summer signing Martinez being given a lot of responsibility in making that happen. Casemiro also needs to continue being a leader for his side and be more proactive in moving the ball from his half into the final third – as well as trying to send teammates through on goal with his excellent passes.
Fernandes is unlikely to be played in the left wing after his disastrous show against Liverpool, but is able to play closer to the right wing. He’ll be keen to silence his doubters but needs to be smarter with his movement and more accurate with his final third passes. Fred has to be more alert in helping his backline sustain pressure better, while also moving the ball forward as well as trying to get into the final third to add another goal-scoring option.
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Rashford is in excellent form and did have a few chances at Anfield, only to end up missing chances. He’s likely to be partnered with Jadon Sancho – who himself needs to deliver in the final third and be a menacing factor to convince Ten Hag to start him in more games. Alejandro Garnacho, who is on fire this season and seems close to a new deal, tormented West Ham United in his last start and will probably be given the freedom to roar through the left and add that exciting spark to United’s attack.
The Red Devils are going to be a bit nervous defensively after conceding six in one half against Liverpool. But the manager needs to motivate the likes of Shaw and Harry Maguire to hold down a strong defensive line as well as be more focused at the back – while Casemiro will also be tasked to drop deeper and thwart the Real Betis attacks in his half. As long as the home side can head into the game with a refreshed mind and be re-energized by the roaring support from Old Trafford, they should soon rediscover their swagger and get back to winning ways.
Manchester United Injuries to Consider
Ten Hag has revealed that Marcel Sabitzer and Anthony Martial are out of this game. Christian Eriksen is out until May, while Donny van de Beek is still ruled out for the rest of the campaign.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup
David de Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Fred, Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford
