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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
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Dan Brown

Sancho and Garnacho start - Man United fans name line-up they want to see vs Real Betis

Manchester United's supporters have called on Erik ten Hag to name a strong starting line-up for the Europa League clash with Real Betis on Thursday night.

Ten Hag's side were thrashed 7-0 by Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, but United will have the chance to respond when they welcome Spanish outfit Betis to Old Trafford for the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie. It will be the first time the two sides have met in a competitive game, although they did clash in a friendly match during the World Cup break.

Despite the disappointing defeat at the weekend, United are the only side in England still competing on three fronts, with the quadruple still technically a possibility. While Ten Hag's men are increasingly unlikely to win the Premier League, there is a good chance of Europa League and FA Cup glory.

ALSO READ: How United should line up vs Real Betis in Europa League fixture

With the Reds having the opportunity to take a positive result over to Spain for the second leg, United fans are keen for Ten Hag to go strong with his team selection. Here's how MEN-reading United fans think the team should line up against Real Betis:

Goalkeeper - David de Gea

After conceding seven times against Liverpool, David de Gea will be desperate to record a clean sheet in the Europa League clash on Thursday night. The Spaniard has played in every single match in Europe this term, so it would certainly come as a surprise to see him miss out against Betis. Reds fans are keen for their first-choice goalkeeper to continue

Defenders - Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia

Despite enjoying a good campaign so far this term, Luke Shaw was especially poor on Sunday. He would probably benefit from a break and United supporters want Tyrell Malacia to start at left-back in his place. On the other flank, supporters believe that Aaron Wan-Bissaka - who has fallen behind Diogo Dalot in the pecking order once again - deserves to start for Ten Hag's side.

At the heart of defence, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have been backed to play. The latter looked jaded against Liverpool and endured a difficult afternoon, but Reds fans still want him to partner the 2022 World Cup winner against Betis.

Midfielders - Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay

United are without Christian Eriksen, Donny van de Beek and Marcel Sabitzer, so they are really struggling for options in the middle of the park. Scott McTominay has been tipped to come in for Fred to freshen things up, but it remains to be seen who Ten Hag will go for alongside his usual duo.

Bruno Fernandes came under a lot of scrutiny after the 7-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool, but the Portuguese ace is almost certain to start and will be keen to put on a show. The 28-year-old will make his 41st appearance of the campaign, while Casemiro will be suspended if he is booked on Thursday night.

Forwards - Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho

There is a feeling that the Wout Weghorst experiment has to end after one goal in 14 games, and with the big Dutch striker having touched the 'This Is Anfield' sign at the weekend, he has annoyed some United fans. Marcus Rashford is certainly at his best from the left, but Reds supporters feel he is worth playing through the middle on this occasion.

Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho have been backed to complete the attacking trio. The young Argentine has been limited to substitute appearances in recent weeks, but he - and indeed Sancho - would offer fresh legs on the flanks.

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