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      Casemiro laughs in Man Utd training as he prepares for Real Betis clash after being banned for four other games

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      CASEMIRO was all smiles at Manchester United training this morning despite the prospect of his four-match ban.The Brazilian star and his team-mates are preparing to travel to Spain to face Real Betis in the second-leg of their Europa League last-16 clash.
      Casemiro was all smiles at training despite his upcoming suspensionCredit: Reuters
      Marcus Rashford (left) was also grinning from ear-to-ear during the sessionCredit: PA
      Bruno Fernandes worked with the returning Anthony Martial today at CarringtonCredit: Reuters
      Erik ten Hag will provide an update on his squad once they arrive in Sevilla tomorrowCredit: PA
      They go into Thursday’s showdown holding a 4-1 advantage from last week’s first-leg at Old Trafford but for the 31-year-old midfielder it could be his last outing for some time.
      Casemiro was sent off for the second time this season for a reckless tackle on Southampton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday as the Red Devils were held to a goalless draw.
      United have already confirmed that they will not appeal Casemiro’s dismissal – meaning he will serve a four-match ban for his second straight red card of the season.
      That means that the ex-Real Madrid man will miss the FA Cup quarter-final clash with Fulham on Sunday, as well as games against Newcastle, Brentford and Everton.
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      He is eligible for the trip to Betis – but he won’t be available again in the Premier League until the trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday 15 April.
      However, barring a catastrophe in Spain, he could be back in action three days’ earlier in the last-eight of the Europa League.
      But the impending spell on the sidelines could still not wipe the grin off his face as he enjoyed a laugh with youngster Anthony Elanga at Carrington today.
      Marcus Rashford, who will be looking to continue his rich vein of form against Betis, was also grinning from ear-to-ear as the rather more stern looking Erik ten Hag put his men through their paces.
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      Brazilian star Antony was nowhere to be seen during the session as we await confirmation of United’s squad for the trip – while Ten Hag will speak to the media once the team arrive in Sevilla tomorrow.
      Midfielder Marcel Sabitzer was part of the group following his recent lay-off as was defender Victor Lindelof, who was ill at the weekend.
      Alejandro Garnacho has joined Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen on the sidelines, after suffering an ankle-ligament injury against Southampton.
      But forward Anthony Martial looks to be well on his way back to full fitness as he looks to return for the first time since the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg victory over Nottingham Forest.
      Jadon Sancho was practising his heading skills during the workoutCredit: Reuters
      Victor Lindelof, pictured with Elanga, has returned following his illnessCredit: Reuters
      Marcel Sabitzer (centre) alongside Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane at CarringtonCredit: PA More

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      Real Betis vs Man Utd: Red Devils look to seal Europa League last-8 spot after first leg demolition – stream, TV channel

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will be determined to put Sunday’s disappointment behind them in their Europa League last-16 second leg against Real Betis.The Red Devils were held to a 2-2 draw by relegation-battling Southampton at Old Trafford.
      Casemiro was shown a striaght red for his horror tackle on Carlos AlcarazCredit: Getty
      And to make matters worse, Casemiro was shown his second red card of the season which means he will miss FOUR of United’s upcoming matches.
      However, rules state that the Brazilian icon is available for the Europa League battle against Betis.
      This doesn’t bode well for the Spanish outfit who have a huge deficit to make up from the reverse fixture.
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      When is Real Betis vs Man Utd?

      Real Betis’ Europa League last-16 second leg against Manchester United will take place on Thursday, March 16.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 5:45pm UK time – 6:45pm local time.
      Benito Villamarin Stadium in Seville, Spain is the allocated arena for this contest and it can host around 60,721 supporters.
      Manchester United thrashed Betis 4-1 in the first leg.

      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Real Betis vs Manchester United will be broadcast LIVE on BT Sport 1 in the UK.
      Coverage is expected to commence from 5pm UK time – 45 minutes before kick-off.
      Subscription members of BT Sport can stream the entire action live via the BT Sport website or app.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the whole match including build up and reaction.

      What is the team news?
      Erik Ten Hag will be delighted to have Casemiro available to him despite the Brazilan’s red card offence against Southampton.
      However, Alejandro Garnacho (ankle) and Victor Lindelof (ill) could miss out.
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      While Anthony Martial will still need to be assessed despite returning to full training.
      Anthony Martial is back in full trainingCredit: Getty
      Elsewhere, Manuel Pellegrini has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the second leg.
      But, the former Manchester City boss could be tempted to starting top goal scorer Borja Iglesias this time round.
      What are the odds?

      Real Betis to win 13/5
      Draw 12/5
      Man Utd to win 1/1

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

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      Arsenal vs Sporting: Gunners put Premier League title charge aside as they eye Europa League last-8 spot – stream, TV

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      ARSENAL have been in tremendous form this season – but Sporting will be determined to throw a spanner in the works during their Europa League last-16 second leg.Three first half goals from Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard saw the Gunners blow Fulham away on the weekend.
      Arsenal annihilated Fulham on SundayCredit: Alamy
      It meant that Mikel Arteta’s men became the first team in football league history to win five consecutive away London derbies while keeping a clean sheet.
      However, the North London outfit will now need to put their Premier League title aspirations on hold as they look to overcome their Europa League first leg hiccup against Portuguese giants Sporting.
      And having only lost to twice at home all season, Arsenal are certainly favourites to progress to the quarter-final stage.
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      When is Arsenal vs Sporting?

      Arsenal’s mouth-watering Europa League second leg against Sporting will take place on Thursday, March 16.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 8pm UK time.
      Emirates Stadium in North London is the allocated arena for this fixture and it can host approximately 60,000 fans.
      The Gunners were held to a 2-2 draw when the sides met in the reverse fixture.

      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Arsenal vs Sporting will be broadcast LIVE on BT Sport 2 in the UK.
      Coverage is expected to commence from 7:15pm UK time – 45 minutes before kick-off.
      Subscription members of BT Sport can stream the entire action live via the BT Sport website or app.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the whole match including build up and reaction.

      What is the team news?
      Mikel Arteta will be delighted to almost be at full strength with only Eddie Nketiah and Mohamed Elneny unavailable for the Sporting clash.
      Furthermore, the Arsenal boss could be tempted into providing Gabriel Jesus with his first start since November following his 11-minute cameo against Fulham.
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      Gabriel Jesus made his long-awaited return against FulhamCredit: Alamy
      Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim will be sweating over the fitness of Antonio Adan and ex-Gunners full-back Hector Bellerin who need assessments before the huge Europa League contest.
      Furthermore, Captain Sebastian Coates and Hidemasa Morita are ruled out through suspension.
      However, Daniel Braganca could return to the fold as the midfielder is back in full training.
      What are the odds?

      Arsenal to win 4/11
      Draw 15/4
      Sporting 15/2

      To qualify

      Arsenal 2/13
      Sporting 4/1

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

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      ‘I can’t play against him’ – Ex-Man Utd star’s body left Ajax ace stunned in Europa League final

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      FORMER Ajax star Amin Younes was scared to play against Manchester United in the 2017 Europa League final because of Antonio Valencia.Valencia captained the Red Devils to a 2-0 victory but left it to Wayne Rooney to lift the trophy.
      Antonio Valencia inspired fear in his opponents due to his physicalityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Amin Younes was scared to play against Valencia in the 2017 Europa League finalCredit: Getty
      Younes was stunned by the size of Valencia’s armsCredit: AFP
      The ex-defender built a reputation for his brute strengthCredit: –
      But his presence in the United line-up alone was enough to give his side a psychological advantage before a ball was even kicked.
      That’s because Younes admitted to his team-mate Andre Onana that he did not want to play against the former right-back because of the size of his arms.
      Goalkeeper Onana recalled his chat with the left winger in an interview with DAZN.
      He said: “In the tunnel, Amin Younes came to me. He was one of the most important players in our team at that time.
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      “He was shocked by the size of the arms of his direct opponent, Antonio Valencia. He told me: ‘I can’t play against him’.”
      Onana also admitted he was fearful ahead of the game and he believes that cost Ajax.
      He added: “I played with a lot of fear. After the game I told myself that I would never be so afraid on the field again.
      “I lost that Europa League final because of fear. We had already lost before the match was played.
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      “During training I called Edwin van der Sar, I wasn’t feeling well. I said I didn’t want to play this final.”
      Valencia built a reputation for his physical prowess with The Secret Footballer detailing an insight into his brute strength back in 2012.
      He wrote that Valencia blocking one of his clearances felt like “being hit by the car”. More

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      Away fan loses FINGER in horror fall before Europa League clash as club doctor rushes him to hospital

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      A REAL SOCIEDAD fan lost his finger in a horrible accident before the Europa League clash against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.Jose Mourinho’s side beat Sociedad 2-0 in the first leg of their Last 16 tie thanks to goals by Stephan El Shaarawy and Marash Kumbulla.
      A horror accident took place at the Olimpico before a Europa League clashCredit: Getty
      A Real Sociedad fan lost his finger before the Europa League game with RomaCredit: Getty
      But the game was marred by a horrible accident that saw a supporter of the visiting team being rushed to hospital with the help of Real’s doctor Javier Barrera.
      According to Mundo Deportivo, a 49-year-old man had the ring finger on his left hand partly amputated.
      AS report that another fan picked up the severed finger and stored it in a bag of ice that was immediately sent to hospital for surgery.
      He spent Thursday night in hospital after a four-hour operation and was cleared the next day to fly back to Spain.
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      The same report suggests the accident occurred outside the stadium before the game started.
      He climbed a fence to get a better view of something and that is when disaster struck.
      The fan unfortunately lost his footing and fell with his finger getting hooked.
      Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay and the team doctor visited the supporter on Friday after the game with Roma.
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      The club also got him a seat on the team’s charter flight for a quicker return home.
      The LaLiga giants offered him a jersey worn in the game by Takefusa Kubo as well.
      The fan appeared to be in good spirits after landing as he showed “good humour” at the airport. More

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      ‘Just one of them would be enough!’ – Frustrated Mourinho names dream forward signings as he fumes at strikers

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      JOSE MOURINHO named three strikers he’d love to sign – despite his Roma side beating Real Sociedad 2-0.The ex-Manchester United and Chelsea chief bemoaned Roma’s finishing in Thursday’s Europa League last-16 first-leg win.
      Boss Jose Mourinho was pleased with Roma’s general display but upset by their failure to bag more goals against LaLiga side SociedadCredit: Rex
      Frontman Tammy Abraham teed up winger Stephan El Shaarawy for Roma’s opener in the 2-0 Europa League first-leg win over Real SociedadCredit: Getty
      And Mourinho cast an envious eye towards Bayern Munich.
      The German champions dumped PSG out of the Champions League on Wednesday with a 2-0 victory for a 3-0 aggregate success.
      Bayern paraded their squad strength by bringing on former Liverpool frontman Sadio Mane, ex-Manchester City winger Leroy Sane and one-time Arsenal wideman Serge Gnabry, who poached their late second goal.
      In contrast, Mourinho had little back-up for his front two Tammy Abraham and Paulo Dybala.
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      And  La Gazetta dello Sport report the Portuguese manager as saying: “Against PSG, Bayern had Gnabry, Mane and Sane on the bench.
      “Just one of them would have been enough for me. 
      “Like this, I could have replaced Dybala and perhaps score one more goal.”
      Abraham did tee up Roma’s early opener for winger Stephan El Shaarawy before defender Marash Kumbulla doubled the Serie A team’s victory margin three minutes from time.
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      But United and even Chelsea are tipped to show interest in 11-cap Englishman Abraham over the summer.
      At least, though, Mourinho was happy with Roma’s display in general.
      He told Sky Italia: “The boys’ merit was their organization, their effort and their empathy on the pitch.
      “We were good at controlling the game even without the ball.”
      Serge Gnabry celebrates rounding off Bayern’s 2-0 win with fellow subs Sadio Mane and Leroy Sane, any of whom Jose Mourinho would love to have at RomaCredit: Getty More

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      Lisandro Martinez reveals how Man Utd responded to Erik ten Hag’s ‘standards’ remark following Liverpool hammering

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      LISANDRO MARTINEZ insists Manchester United’s Europa League triumph over Real Betis “doesn’t say anything” as they are looking to meet manager Erik ten Hag’s “standards”.United destroyed Betis with a score of 4-1 at Old Trafford with goals by Marcus Rashford, Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst – the visitors temporarily equalised with Leicester loanee Ayoze Perez.
      Lisandro Martinez revealed how Manchester United responded to criticismCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag blasted Manchester United aces for dropping standards against LiverpoolCredit: PA
      This comes shortly after Sunday’s 7-0 mauling to Liverpool, which led to some fiery remarks by Ten Hag accusing his players of dropping their “standards” after a dominant run across all competitions.
      Martinez suggested the team took the Dutchman’s criticism on board and are now refusing to lose their concentration.
      The Red Devils picked up a comfortable lead in the first leg of the Last 16 but the centre-back insists they need to remain focused ahead of a tough return fixture next week in Seville.
      Martinez told MUTV: “It was a great result for us, but we have to keep going.
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      “It doesn’t say anything this result. It’s the first leg and when we go to Betis, we have to be ready and focused, especially in their home, they play well and have the support of their people.
      “We are happy for this game. I think the energy of the team [lacked], they started to play, and in the second half we changed the passion, the energy and we showed our mentality and we created more chances, then we score.”
      Antony, Fernandes and Weghorst received immense criticism after the embarrassing loss at Liverpool.
      But Martinez backed all of his United three team-mates, who redeemed themselves with an improved performance against Betis.
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      The Argentina international added: “He’s a really good player [Antony], with a lot of quality, his skills are amazing and I’m happy for him because it’s important for his confidence. I’m really happy with the job of the team.
      “I’m happy for him [Fernandes] as well, as like you say, there was a lot of criticism to our team but it’s like this when you play for a big, big team, it can happen, so you have to be ready and be happy with where we are.” More

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      Fans convinced Ten Hag demanded three more goals after going 4-1 up vs Betis following Liverpool embarrassment

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are convinced Erik ten Hag wanted his troops to hit Real Betis for seven in their Europa League clash.United put one foot in the quarter-finals of Europe’s secondary club competition on Thursday night with a 4-1 win in the first leg of their last-16 clash with the Spaniards at Old Trafford.
      Manchester United fans ran out 4-1 winners of Real Betis on ThursdayCredit: Getty
      The win was their first since being battered 7-0 by Liverpool last weekendCredit: REX
      Some United fans are convinced Ten Hag wanted his troops to his Betis for sevenCredit: BT SPORT
      The battering of Betis saw the Red Devils start to erase the memory of their embarrassing 7-0 defeat to bitter rivals Liverpool last weekend.
      And some of the Old Trafford faithful reckon Dutchman Ten Hag wanted his troops to score seven themselves.
      That belief came from footage of Ten Hag holding up three fingers and shouting not long after his side’s fourth goal of the night.
      One United fan tweeted: “Ten Hag telling the players we need 3 more goals.”
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      Another said: “Ten Hag wants seven goals.”
      And another said: “Ten Hag asking three more goals by showing his three fingers was a hilarious moment.”
      One remarked: “Ten Hag telling the players they owe him THREE more goals.”
      Another chimed in: “He wasn’t joking when he said he wanted revenge.”
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      Goals from Marcus Rashford, Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst put United on course for the last eight of the Europa League.
      Ten Hag was thrilled with how his troops bounced back from their Anfield annihilation and singled out skipper Bruno Fernandes for praise.
      He said of the Portugal international: “He was the best player on the pitch, it showed his personality.
      “He played a little deeper role tonight and he was brilliant, making the game from the back in position, a lot of good passes in between the lines.
      “From there we created a lot of chances.”
      United will be back on Sunday afternoon, welcoming relegation battlers Southampton to the Theatre of Dreams.
      They’ll then travel to Andalusia on Thursday for the second leg of their tie with Betis.
      Erik ten Hag singled out skipper Bruno Fernandes for praiseCredit: GETTY More