Manchester United vs Real Betis prediction, odds and betting tips

Manchester United will be aiming to bounce back from a historic thrashing by Liverpool when they take on Real Betis on Thursday.

Manchester United vs Real Betis odds

Here are the latest match odds for Manchester United vs Real Betis.

Best bookies to bet on Manchester United vs Real Betis

Manchester United vs Real Betis predictions

When Manchester United arrived at Anfield on Sunday, they were quietly confident of winning at that stadium for the first time in six years.

Instead, they suffered their joint-worst defeat of all time. A 7-0 shellacking by Liverpool will live long in the memories of all those who witnessed it.

This was a truly astonishing result – perhaps the most stunning in Premier League history. 

United have been largely excellent in 2023. They won the EFL Cup just over a week ago and are among the favourites to win both the FA Cup and the Europa League.

That is why Sunday’s thumping was such a shock. Erik ten Hag’s team completely collapsed in the second half. Trailing 1-0 at the interval, they went on to concede six more times before the final whistle finally put them out of their misery.

“As a team you have to stick together,” Ten Hag told reporters in his post-game press conference.

“That is what we didn’t do. It is a surprise for me, I didn’t see this from my team. I don’t think it is us. I don’t think it is Manchester United. It was really bad, really poor.”

The question now is: how will United react? 

Will they come out on Thursday and show that the 7-0 was a freak result? Or could that extraordinary result at Anfield damage their prospects for the remainder of the campaign?

Manchester United vs Real Betis betting tips

Real Betis will be emboldened by Manchester United’s defeat at Anfield, and this will be a big test of the Red Devils’ character.

Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals – 5/4 (bet365)

It would only be natural if it took a while for Manchester United to get the demolition by Liverpool out of their system.

Despite their positive performances in previous weeks, the players’ confidence will have taken a hit on the back of that monumental defeat by United’s arch-rivals.

Real Betis will look to use that to their advantage. Manuel Pellegrini has created a positive, attack-minded team at the Estadio Benito Villamarin, so the visitors will not simply sit back and play for a 0-0.

Only Real Madrid and Barcelona have racked up more expected goals in La Liga this term. 

On their way to topping their Europa League group, Pellegrini’s side scored 12 times in six matches – and they did not draw a blank in any of those encounters.

Meanwhile, United may have failed to score on Sunday but it has been a long time since they did that at home.

Indeed, you have to go back to the middle of October to find the last time a visiting team (Newcastle United) kept a clean sheet at Old Trafford.

Since then, United have averaged 2.5 goals per home game in all competitions. Attacks are likely to come out on top on Thursday.

Manchester United to win from behind – 6/1 (bet365)

It is notable that Manchester United have been much more productive in attack in the second half of their home games this term.

That is not particularly unusual, as more goals tend to be scored after the interval than before it. 

However, the extent to which Ten Hag’s side are more effective in the second 45 minutes stands out. They have scored 16 goals after the break in their 12 home league games in 2022/23, compared to only eight in the first half.

Betis, conversely, fare better from minute one to 45. They have scored 18 goals in La Liga in that period of games, compared to 14 in the second half.

Given what happened on Sunday, United could start this game slowly. There will probably be some trepidation in their play early on.

But the Old Trafford crowd is unlikely to turn on the team on account of their generally good form this calendar year.

Even if they fall behind, do not bet against United emerging triumphant in the first leg of this last-16 tie.

Jadon Sancho to score any time – 12/5 (bet365)

Jadon Sancho was an unused substitute against Liverpool. He was deemed well enough for a place on the bench after illness, but Ten Hag clearly felt it was not worth introducing him given the scoreline early in the second half.

It is hard to imagine the United boss selecting the same starting XI for the visit of Real Betis. 

Sancho could be one of the beneficiaries if Ten Hag decides to take Antony, Wout Weghorst or Bruno Fernandes out of the firing line.

The England international started both legs against Barcelona in the knockout round play-offs, and has scored two goals in his last three appearances at Old Trafford.

It could be worth backing Sancho to find the back of the net again here. Marcus Rashford is the most obvious choice in the goalscorer market, but the odds available on Sancho are very attractive indeed.

How to watch Manchester United vs Real Betis

• Location: Old Trafford, Manchester, England.
• Date and time: Thursday 9 March 2023, 8pm.
• How to watch: BT Sport 1.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.