Man United cruises past Betis to Europa League quarterfinals

© Provided by The Associated Press – Sports Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford shoots to score his side’s first goal during the Europa League round of 16 second leg soccer match between Real Betis and Manchester United at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Seville, Spain, Thursday, March 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Jose Breton)

Manchester United cruised into the quarterfinals of the Europa League on Thursday after a 1-0 victory at Real Betis in the second leg of their round-of-16 encounter.

Marcus Rashford produced a clinical finish in the 56th minute, finding the bottom corner of the net with a low drive from outside the area to help United advance on a 5-1 aggregate score in the second-tier European competition.

© Provided by The Associated Press – Sports Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, left, celebrates after scoring his side’s first goal during the Europa League round of 16 second leg soccer match between Real Betis and Manchester United at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Seville, Spain, Thursday, March 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Jose Breton)

Rashford’s 27th goal of the season came after the striker wasted several decent chances to put the visitors ahead at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Seville.

United won 4-1 in the first leg at Old Trafford last week.

Following a 0-0 draw against Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday, manager Erik ten Hag made four changes in his starting lineup with right winger Facundo Pellistri getting his first start for the club.

© Provided by The Associated Press – Sports Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford speaks to Manchester United’s head coach Erik ten Hag after being substituted during the Europa League round of 16 second leg soccer match between Real Betis and Manchester United at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Seville, Spain, Thursday, March 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Jose Breton)

United withstood Betis’ early pressure with Real’s 41-year-old captain Joaquín’s long-distance effort hitting the post 11 minutes into the game.

© Provided by The Associated Press – Sports Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, center, is followed by Betis’ Juan Miranda during the Europa League round of 16 second leg soccer match between Real Betis and Manchester United at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Seville, Spain, Thursday, March 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Jose Breton)

United won the Europa League in 2017.

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© Provided by The Associated Press – Sports Betis’ head coach Manuel Pellegrini reacts during the Europa League round of 16 second leg soccer match between Real Betis and Manchester United at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Seville, Spain, Thursday, March 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Jose Breton)