Europa League

WOUT WEGHORST appeared momentarily overcome with emotion as he celebrated scoring following his difficult week.The Manchester United striker angered fans by touching the Anfield sign before Sunday’s 7-0 loss at Liverpool – but won many over by his emotional reaction to sealing a 4-1 defeat of Real Betis.
Wout Weghorst roared with relief after rounding off the Europa League winCredit: Rex
Loan hitman Wout Weghorst was overcome with emotion following a turbulent week after scoring only his second goal on loan from BurnleyCredit: ESPN
Weghorst finished clinically to finish off the scoring and possibly the tie too as United go to Spain for the Europa League last-16 second leg with a 4-1 leadCredit: Reuters
The loan recruit ran to the corner and was almost crying as he went down on his knees and roared with joy.
Supporters and team-mates knew what the moment meant to him as he battles to earn a permanent switch from Burnley.
One fan posted: “Weghorst burst into tears after that goal. He deserves it, he has work so hard for this team.”
Another said: “The relief from the big Dutchman was palpable.”
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Similar comments flooded in like: “You have to love the guys passion” and “My man was starving of goals, he really need that goal for confidence”.
But it’s only Weghorst’s second goal for United and it came after his pre-match decision to touch the “This is Anfield” sign angered many Red Devils’ supporters.
And his explanation online didn’t help much as it was treated sceptically by many.
Weghorst claimed he was just attempting to “wind up” international team-mate Virgil van Dijk by stopping the Liverpool defender from getting his own fingers on the famous sign.
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The 30-year-old, however, moved back in favour somewhat with a controversial Instagram post hours before Thursday’s Europa League last-16 first leg.
Some fans believe the footage of fans including many holding flares, came from an anti-Glazer protest.
Supporters on social media responded with comments such as: “He really is working overtime to win the fanbase back.”
And many reckon his emotional outburst at rounding off victory showed his dedication.
One wrote: “Tears of Joy is allowed. It proves he loves this club. Wout Weghorst is a red.”
There were a few doubters, though.
One posted: “Fake tears to win over deluded manyoo fans.”
And another was just as harsh: “Get Weghorst out of the club. Why tf is my man crying with tears after scoring the 4th goal in a Europa League trashing? Get this drama queen out.”
Weghorst won over many fans with his show of passion on ThursdayCredit: Getty More

REAL BETIS fans clashed with riot police at Old Trafford, with one reportedly throwing a seat and another attempting to use his belt as a weapon.The ugly scenes occurred at the end of Manchester United’s 4-1 win over the Spanish side.
Real Betis fans clashed with riot police after their defeat at Man UtdCredit: Getty
The ugly scenes occurred at the end of the Europa League tieCredit: AP
Missiles were thrown as police clashed with Spanish thugsCredit: Getty
Some Betis fans were filmed spitting at United supportersCredit: @stoney_29
The disgraceful scenes saw stewards piled on in the standsCredit: @stoney_29
United all-but-sealed their place in the next stage of the competition with an emphatic victory.
But things got heated in the away end as the match drew to a close.
According to those at the game, missiles were seen being thrown as Betis fans attempted to clamber over a barrier separating them from United supporters.
One person was reportedly seen ripping a chair off before hurling it into the United section.
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And in one video, a Betis fan masked in a balaclava could be seen attempting to swing his belt across the narrow gap in an attempt to hit home supporters.
Another sickening video showed an away fan repeatedly spitting at the home end as stricken stewards were piled on.
Armoured riot police were quickly deployed to the scene.
But they too were caught in clashes with angry Betis supporters.
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One Betis fan was seen trying to use his belt as a weaponCredit: Twitter
A chair was also reportedly thrown into the United endCredit: Twitter
Police swiftly dealt with the troubleCredit: Reuters
Pictures showed police grappling with Spanish fans as they attempted to defuse the situation.
And order was quickly restored as relieved stewards continued to form a wall in front of the United end.
Fans on social media reacted with disgust to the behaviour of the Betis supporters.
One said: “Should be getting banned from European competition, obviously governing bodies too weak to enforce a ban.”
Another declared: “They’re so bitter, enjoy the flight.”
One noted: “Should be arrested and brought before a judge in the morning.”
Another added: “Don’t worry I’ll get a seat from Betis and bring it home to replace that one.” More

MANCHESTER UNITED got Real last night as they put the horror show at Anfield behind them.That 7-0 defeat to their bitterest rivals Liverpool had cast a dark cloud over Carrington and Old Trafford since Sunday.
Man Utd have one foot in the Europa League quarters after a 4-1 win over Real BetisCredit: Getty
Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Wout Weghorst and Antony all scoredCredit: Getty
One defeat in 22 games prior to the trip to Liverpool and one trophy in the bag had suggested all was well in the world for the Red Devils.
The trip to Anfield had been not so much a wake up call but a bucket of iced water over the head.
But beneath the lights in this Europa League last 16 first leg they got back on track to the sunny horizon Erik ten Hag had previously given the club a view of.
He was determined that defeat to Jurgen Klopp’s men would go down as an aberration, a freak, rather than a return to the norm of last season.
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Last night provided the first evidence that will be the case with a fine second-half performance against the fifth best team in Spain.
A side who only last weekend battled out a goalless draw against European Champions Real Madrid.
So while it was just the Europa League the result cannot be underestimated.
Ten Hag had sent out the same team that had disgraced themselves at Anfield to win back some faith from a packed Old Trafford – and they did.
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Marcus Rashford fired United ahead after just six minutesCredit: Reuters
The ace laid to rest his missed attempts in the 7-0 defeat to LiverpoolCredit: Getty
Rashford gave United the lead after just six minutes but missed chances let Betis off the hook as they equalised through Ayoze Perez on 32.
Unlike Sunday the half-time team talk this time had an effect as Antony on 52 and Fernandes on 58 sealed put United in control.
Having missed a series of chances earlier in the game Wout Weghorst then added number four to put the Red Devils in pole position ahead of next week’s second leg in Seville to get into the quarter-finals.
Fernandes attracted much criticism for his antics on Sunday, but this game was his response. He was excellent all night.
Ayoze Perez equalised for Betis after half an hourCredit: PA
The former Newcastle and Leicester striker was delighted with his effortCredit: AP
It was his cross that first helped set up the opener as the ball deflected off Juanmi to Rashford who took a touch to evade the same player and blast a shot into the near top corner.
United should have extended their lead before the break through Weghorst
In the ninth minute he sent a limp header into the grateful clutches of Claudio Bravo.
Then when Luke Shaw fired a great cross into the near post he steered the ball wide.
Antony restored United’s lead seven minutes into the second halfCredit: EPA
The Brazilian pounded the badge to show his love for UnitedCredit: AP
When Antony provided a similar assist from the same area the towering Dutch frontman hooked the ball over the top.
The look on Antony’s face said it all.
The missed chances looked like they were going to prove costly as Betis equalised with their first shot on target.
Juanmi controlled the ball with his chest, although the ball also ran down his arm, and laid it off for Leicester City’s on loan Perez to fire a cross shot past David de Gea and into the far bottom corner.
The visitors could have gone ahead too when a loose pass out from the back by De Gea was intercepted by Juanmi who found Perez and his shot deflected off Shaw and hit the far post.
Fernandes added another for United just six minutes laterCredit: AP
The midfielder made up for his Anfield horror show with a great displayCredit: PA
So Ten Hag will have been happy to get the players into the dressing room and sort a few things out.
They came back out a different team regaining the lead through a fine strike from Antony.
Having been found by Fernandes on the right he cut inside and curled a shot with his left foot into the far top corner.
Ten Hag gave a nod of approval from his technical area.
From a Luke Shaw corner Fernandes got the goal his performance deserved as he sneaked in at the near post and executed bullet header that Bravo could not keep out.
Weghorst finally netted a second goal for United since his January loan from BurnleyCredit: Reuters
The Dutchman was overcome with emotion as he celebratedCredit: Getty
United were back to their best and looked like scoring with every attack.
Antony wasted two good chances before Weghorst followed up Scott McTominay’s parried shot to add number four in the 82nd minute.
Fernandes had a great game but could maybe count himself fortunate to have stayed on the pitch to take the acclaim of the crowd.
In the 69th minute he followed through with a challenge and caught goalkeeper Bravo’s on the shin.
He was trying to block a clearance but on the replay it looked bad, still he got away with it.
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This time the captain ended the day with a broad grin on his face.
Confidence, and faith, in him and the team had been restored. More

BRUNO FERNANDES escaped a red card despite a horror lunge on ex-Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.The Manchester United playmaker – who kept the captain’s armband after his Liverpool nightmare – flew in on the Real Betis goalkeeper at Old Trafford midway through the second half.
Bruno Fernandes went flying in on Claudio BravoCredit: BT Sport
He caught the Chilean goalkeeper on the chin with his bootCredit: BT Sport
Fernandes escaped a red card as he appeared to pull out of the challengeCredit: BT Sport
Real Betis players were furious with the tackleCredit: BT Sport
The Portuguese star was putting pressure on the veteran stopper, 39, but jumped in with both feet off the ground.
He appeared to pull out of the challenge slightly but still caught Bravo heavily on the shin.
As the Chilean rolled around in pain, the referee immediately brandished a yellow card to diffuse the situation – but many felt it should have been red.
One fan said: “Red card all day long. Left the ground with his foot up and caught him on the shin. Another mockery for VAR.”
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And another wrote: “Red card all day long but because it’s Bruno he gets away with it.”
And a third added: “Bruno is a very very lucky boy!”
But others were not convinced and felt he had every right to go for the ball.
Fernandes was no doubt saved by catching the goalkeeper with the side of his boot – rather than his studs, which could have caused serious damage.
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Robbie Savage added on BT Sport commentary: “I just think because his foot was open that’s why VAR haven’t given the red card.”
It was a case of rubbing salt into the wound for Bravo, who had earlier been beaten by a Fernandes header.
That made it 3-1 to United on the night after goals from Marcus Rashford and Antony either side of Ayoze Perez’s leveller.
Wout Weghorst added a fourth, bundling home a rebound after Bravo parried Scott McTominay’s effort. More

PAUL SCHOLES reckons there was method in Erik ten Hag’s madness to stick with his 11 Manchester United flops.The Red Devils boss named the exact same starting XI that were battered 7-0 by Liverpool for tonight’s Europa League clash with Real Betis.
The same Manchester United team that started at Anfield played against Real BetisCredit: Getty
Paul Scholes shared his view on why they all playedCredit: BT Sport
Many expected the Dutchman to ring the changes to punish his underperforming men and give others the chance to shine in their place.
However, Scholes believes he knows why Ten Hag opted against dropping anyone.
The ex-United midfielder told BT Sport: “I’m slightly surprised. They have played a lot of games but they owe him after what was a shambles of a second half at Liverpool.
“Ten Hag has sent the same team out to test a few characters.
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“To see, going forward, can these players play for me in big games when it really matters?”
Owen Hargreaves added: “I think he’s telling them to go and fix it after the mess at Anfield.”
Ten Hag confirmed that was indeed his thinking behind his selections, naming an unchanged United side for the first time in Europe this season.
He said: “We want to win and we think this is the best team to make a good performance.
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“Of course, they get the opportunity for rehabilitation, this is the most important game now.
“On Sunday we got hammered, we have to get back to our standards.”
But fans on social media were divided by the response from the manager.
One said: “Naming an unchanged side after this weekend’s battering will either make Ten Hag look like a genius or a complete idiot.”

Another wrote: “Seems Ten Hag is getting that same XI from Sunday to go out and make up for their mess-ups. Let’s win this and get back up, boys!”
But a third added: “Some changes were needed. Aaron Wan-Bissaka for Diogo Dalot and maybe Jadon Sancho or Facundo Pellistri for Antony.”
And a final user joked the final score would be 7-0 to Real Betis.
However, the Red Devils came out fired up in the Manchester snow and made a lightning start to immediately ease the pressure.
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Marcus Rashford beat a defender and blasted into the back of the net with just six minutes on the clock against the LaLiga side.
However, Ayoze Perez – on loan from Leicester – fired in a classy equaliser on 32 minutes.
Erik ten Hag described the game as a chance for ‘rehabilitation’Credit: Getty More

ARSENAL might not need to win the Europa League to guarantee them Champions League qualification any more.But Mikel Arteta’s relentless young Gunners are still refusing to sack off their Thursday nights in Uefa’s consolation prize of a competition.
Arsenal got a 2-2 draw away at Sporting in the Europa LeagueCredit: Reuters
William Saliba headed in the opening goalCredit: Rex
Saliba celebrates his third goal of the seasonCredit: Getty
With a 21-point lead over fifth-placed Liverpool in the Premier League, their return to Europe’s premier club competition after a six-year absence is all but guaranteed next season.
Yet even though it is now 13 years since Porto became the one and only Europa League winners to go on and win their domestic title, Arsenal are still not ready to abandon their double dreams just yet.
Goals from William Saliba and Granit Xhaka mean they head back to London perfectly placed to secure their quarter-final place in next week’s return leg.
And they did it despite having to cope with a striking dilemma which is already causing Arteta headaches ahead of Sunday’s return to Premier League action at Fulham.
Even if he had wanted to rest some of his key players in Lisbon last night, he was denied that luxury by simultaneous injuries to Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard.
To make matters worse, captain Martin Odegaard and Keiran Tierney were both laid low by illness which left Arteta relying on a bunch of kids just to fill out the bench.
That meant an Arsenal debut for Jakub Kiwior, the Polish defender signed in a £20million January deal from Spezia, as well as a first start in three months for Reiss Nelson.
A return to the team was the very least Nelson deserved for his stunning weekend winner against Bournemouth.
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And he was quickly back into the action with an attempted shot which required an important early block by Hidemasa Morita.
But with so many changes to the team, it was hardly surprising that Arsenal looked disjointed and they were fortunate to escape when Pedro Goncalves was allowed to get in behind Jorginho but struck his shot wide of the far post.
Yet the Sporting fans did not have too many expectations of the 19-time Portuguese champions who are currently a distant fourth in their domestic league and were knocked out in the Champions League group stages despite taking four points off Spurs.
Having been forced to sell Joao Palhinha to Fulham, Matheus Nunes to Wolves and Pedro Porro to Spurs this season, they suffered another setback when former Arsenal favourite Hector Bellerin injured a knee on the eve of this match.
And their lack of confidence was brutally exposed when Saliba was allowed to head home unchallenged from Fabio Vieira’s 22nd-minute corner.
Oleksandr Zinchenko celebrated the goal by laughing in the face of Matheus Reis, sparking a major scuffle which ended with the Arsenal defender and Sporting giant Sebastian Coates both seeing yellow.

It means former Liverpool centre-half Coates will now be suspended for next Thursday’s Emirates return leg.
But Arsenal weren’t chuckling for long before Sporting were back on level terms with a 35th-minute equaliser scored in almost identical fashion to their opponents’ goal.  
This time it was former Spurs winger Marcus Edwards who delivered the inswinging corner for Goncalo Inacio to outjump Kiwior and nod in from close range.
And Edwards very nearly doubled his team’s tally with a snap-shot from distance which had Gunners keeper Matt Turner scrambling to push behind for a corner.
London-born Edwards was causing Arsenal no end of trouble with his pace and trickery and it was no surprise that he was heavily involved again when Sporting took the lead ten minutes after the break.
This time his clever pass played Goncalves in on goal and though Turner was able to get a hand to his low shot he was powerless to prevent Paulinho turning in the loose ball from close range.
Paulinho should have put the tie beyond doubt when he was played in again by Goncalves but failed to hit the target with only Turner to beat.
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Martinelli was then denied the goal of the season when he ran through four tackles from his own half, rounded keeper Antonio Adan but had his shot cleared off the line by Jeremiah St. Juste.
But this Arsenal team simply do not know when they are beaten and they completed another impressive comeback when Xhaka’s 63rd-minute pot-shot completely wrong-footed Adan courtesy of a massive deflection off the unfortunate Morita.
Goncalo Inacio levelled in virtually identical fashionCredit: Reuters
Granit Xhaka’s hopeful effort took a wicked deflection into the netCredit: Getty
Paulinho turned in to give the hosts the leadCredit: AP
Inacio leaps for joy after heading inCredit: Reuters
Tensions were running high during the first half in PortugalCredit: Getty
Jeremiah St Juste showed his rapid pace to get back and deny Gabriel MartinelliCredit: Getty More