Manchester United fans are convinced that their manager, Erik ten Hag, wanted his team to score seven goals against Real Betis in their Europa League clash. The Red Devils secured a 4-1 victory in the first leg of their last-16 match against the Spaniards at Old Trafford, putting them in a strong position to progress to the quarter-finals of Europe’s secondary club competition. This win came after their humiliating 7-0 defeat to Liverpool last weekend, which saw them start to erase the memory of that loss.
Some United fans believe that Ten Hag wanted his team to score seven goals themselves, as footage emerged of the Dutchman holding up three fingers and shouting not long after his side’s fourth goal of the night. One fan tweeted that Ten Hag was telling the players they needed three more goals, while another said that he wanted seven goals. Another fan remarked that Ten Hag was asking for three more goals by showing his three fingers, which they found hilarious. Some fans also commented that Ten Hag was not joking when he said he wanted revenge.
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 pleased with how his team bounced back from their Anfield annihilation and singled out skipper Bruno Fernandes for praise. He said that the Portugal international was the best player on the pitch and showed his personality. Fernandes played a little deeper role in the match and was brilliant, making the game from the back in position and creating a lot of chances.
United will be back in action on Sunday afternoon when they welcome relegation battlers Southampton to the Theatre of Dreams. They will then travel to Andalusia on Thursday for the second leg of their tie with Betis.