Marcus Rashford scored the lone goal as Manchester United edged Real Betis 1-0 in the second leg of the Europa League last sixteen encounter to advance to the quarter finals with a 5-1 aggregate win.
The in-form forward struck early in the second half to ensure that the Red Devils progress with a commanding 5-1 aggregate victory.
Man United started the game on a back foot, but they made their intent known, with Casemiro from a powerful header missing the target.
But their hosts were up to the task, and they almost grabbed an opener had Joaquin’s tremendous effort not missed the target by a whisker.
United’s youngster Facundo Pellistri thought he had made the breakthrough for his team, but his half volleyed effort hit the upright before Silva cleared their lines to keep the score line goalless at the halftime break.
After the interval, the hosts returned with more steal, but United was equal to the challenge. Ayoze Perez came close to scoring the opener but David De Gea was at his best to Parry his fellow Spaniard’s header from the corner in the 53rd minute.
The hosts continued to take control of the proceedings, but in the 54th minute, United got a clear opportunity with only the goal keeper to beat, only for Rashford to fire his effort wide from close range.
Rashford then made up for the previous missed chance to finally break the deadlock with a superb long range effort from 20 yards that beat the Betis custodian at the far bottom corner.
Manchester United continued creating chances but their substitutes in Jadon Sancho and Marcel Sabitzer could not get the cutting edge to widen the margin.
The game ended with Rashford’s strike – his 27th of the season the loan goal. They march into the quarterfinals where they could face Arsenal who play later tonight.
