This has raised the volume a bit. Betis sensing their first real opportunity to hurt United.

First chance for Betis. Casemiro gives the ball away and it is quickly fed to Ayoze Perez in the box. He turns but sees his effort blocked.

Certainly looks a nicer spot to be enjoying some football than in England right now. There's not a big coat or bobble hat in sight.

United will want to set the tone here. Get on the ball and dominate, to head off any Betis hopes of reducing the deficit.

That is exactly what they are doing in the opening minutes.

Well, the Betis fans have turned out in big numbers in hope of seeing something special.

Facundo Pellistri is straight into the action down the right, but hammers his cross high and long.

We start with United three goals in front and very firm favourites to advance. Can Betis throw anything into the mix here to put that outcome in doubt?

We are under way.

Marcus Rashford has scored 24 goals in major European competition for Manchester United and could become only the sixth player to score 25 such goals for the Red Devils and, aged 25 years and 136 days on the day of this game, the youngest player to reach 25 major European goals for the club. He would also be the youngest Englishman to score 25 goals in major European competitions in history.

Of all teams to win by a 3+ goal margin in the first leg of a Europa League knockout tie (2009-10 onwards), only one has ever been eliminated: Basel vs Valencia in the 2013-14 quarter-final (won 3-0 first leg, lost 5-0 second leg).

Rob Green
Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

I think that strength in depth is coming back for Manchester United with Marcel Sabitzer on the bench and Christian Eriksen getting back to fitness.

Marcus Rashford has been flying but not many others have been scoring goals. They need some players to get into form as well.

Ayoze Perez's goal briefly gave Betis hope in the first leg, but ultimately it proved to be a pretty miserable Manchester return for ex-City boss Manuel Pellegrini.

However, considering his historical affiliations, the Chilean would love nothing more than engineering a big comeback at the Benito Villamarin Stadium.

Betis only have one win from their last seven home matches, which doesn't bode well for tonight. Although, they are enjoying a fairly decent domestic season overall and are unbeaten in five games - drawing the last two after a run of three wins on the bounce.

If they can pull of a minor miracle, it will represent the first time they have advanced beyond the last 16 in the Europa League.

Dale O'Donnell, Stretty News, external

Edwin van Der Sar was always an assured presence between the sticks for Manchester United. At the Luzhniki Stadium in 2008, the Dutchman pulled off one of the most important saves I have ever witnessed, in the Champions League final penalty shoot-out against domestic rivals Chelsea.

With Manchester United on the verge of European success, Van der Sar produced a save that gave Sir Alex Ferguson his second Champions League and underlined his reputation as the world’s greatest manager. It denies Nicolas Anelka and left John Terry in tears.

Fans question whether Van der Sar was actually smiling when he was diving to save Anelka’s shot. The match-winning save topped off a solid performance and we can be sure he was smiling late into the night.

What's the best Manchester United save you have seen?

Which saves did our other Premier League fans choose? Read the full piece here

Image source, Getty Images

Music star and Manchester United fan Tinchy Stryder says Erik ten Hag is a "special man" and has brought "togetherness" to the club again.

United recently won the Carabao Cup, sit third in the Premier League and are still in the FA Cup and Europa League.

"Ten Hag is a special man, someone who I want to meet and shake his hand," he told The Devils' Advocate podcast.

"What he has done in months is incredible. He is more than just a manager. If you watch one half it might be like we aren’t playing too well, but it doesn’t mean it will be like that in the second half. It changes every half, you can’t question him.

"He has got everyone focused and you can tell there is more togetherness in the club, the fans are behind the team again - that is the main thing. Before you go to watch United and no one was scared to come to Old Trafford anymore.

"I think we will win the Europa League, I am not too sure on the FA Cup but we will get top four."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Real Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini to BT Sport: "It's a difficult game, not just because of the three goals because it's Manchester United. It's a team who have spent a lot of money on players.

"Not the budget we have.

"We have to play without the three goals in our mind. The score from the first 90 minutes is out of our minds, we will try and play a good game and reverse the scoreline."

These are important times on the pitch for Manchester United. They're also important ones off it, too.

Representatives of Qatar's Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani have been at the club today to discuss aspects of the potential purchase of the club.

Another prospective Manchester United owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is set to be at Old Trafford on Friday to receive a presentation on the potential sale process.

United staff have been outlining the workings of the club to various parties over the past week.

The Glazer family said in November they were considering selling United.

Read more here.

Image source, Getty Images

Lisandro Martinez believes Manchester United have what it takes to challenge for the Premier League title next season.

After winning the Carabao Cup with United and with the FA Cup and Europa League still to play for, the World Cup winner is backing Erik ten Hag's side to fight for the league in the future.

He said: "For sure. We have really good players, we are Manchester United and Manchester United are meant to win every trophy.

"We have to work hard but we are doing it now. For sure we have to go game by game and we have to believe and we have to fight for every title."

Martinez highlighted the importance of his relationship with United fans and hopes to keep that bond as he helps the club fight for more trophies.

When asked about the supporters' love for him and how it feels to hear his name sung, he said: "For sure it’s important. Football is passion, it is to play with your heart.

"I have that connection with the people and I have to keep going and keep with the connection.

"It’s very emotional for me [to hear chants about him]. To come here to the best club in England for me is a dream. I am so happy."

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag talking to BT Sport: "Pellistri deserves it. He has been training very well and deserves to be in the team. It is about him now, he knows what we expect from him. He can do it, he has proved it for Man Utd and the international team.

"Harry Maguire has also trained very well. It is also about rotation but we know what job he can do."

In his press duties ahead of this game, Erik ten Hag acknowledged the progress made by Manchester United since his arrival at the club, but says "there is still a gap" when it comes to challenging for the Premier League title.

Despite an impressive first season under the Dutchman, United are still 16 points off league leaders Arsenal.

When asked how far off fighting for the title he thinks his side are, Ten Hag said: "I think we have made good progress, but also we have to acknowledge there is still a gap.

"I couldn’t expect that we close that gap that quickly. We want to win every game, no matter which opponent.

"The Premier League was never as difficult as it is now, so many competitors. It is not a two-horse race, it's a five, six, seven-horse race.

"For what we want, there are six or seven clubs more [who want the same]. You have to be very good if you want to win the league. We are aiming for that.

"They will invest and spend big money, they have great managers and great players so it’s a lot about details.

"We have beaten all the teams in the Premier League so we are capable of doing it, but we are aware within the club that we still have some steps to go.

"Don’t think too far ahead, we have to think game by game. That is the base of our success."

With one trophy in their pocket already this season, a European one to compliment it probably won't hurt confidence for a title bid next season.

Casemiro starts for Man Utd tonight, which is probably no surprise considering he won't be featuring in their next four Premier League games through suspension.

The Brazilian, though, will end up sitting out more games if he picks up a booking tonight. If either he or Bruno Fernandes pick up a yellow card in Spain that's them done for the first leg of the next round.

Simon Stone
BBC Sport

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane heaped praised on youngsters Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Pellistri after Sunday's Premier League draw with Southampton.

Garnacho was already starting to make an impact before the World Cup, when Pellistri's performances with Uruguay caught the eye.

The pair were both introduced against the Saints, although Garnacho only lasted 16 minutes before he had to be replaced after picking up an injury.

"They have great talent," said Varane.

"They can bring speed on the pitch, create opportunities and create danger.

"We need these kind of players to make the difference and change games."

Two players to pay particular attention to for Man Utd - forward Facundo Pellistri, who is making his first start and will be looking to impress, and defender Harry Maguire, who has another chance to show he is deserving of more first-team minutes.

Pellistri joined United back in October 2020 from Penarol and has spent time on loan at Alaves. He's quick and direct. Alejandro Garnacho's recent injury opens the door.

It is interesting that Betis have midfielder Sergio Canales and leading scorer Borja Iglesias on the bench. If the home side get a sniff of turning this tie around, you imagine they might appear off the bench.

Joaquin is in there, though. Just 41 years old. Legend.