Opposition watch: Injury blow for Real Betis

Coach Manuel Pellegrini appears to have lost the services of the central defender due to a hamstring injury that will reportedly keep him out for a couple of weeks.

William Carvalho was also absent for their 1-1 draw away to Villarreal on Sunday but that was due to suspension and he will be available for Thursday evening's encounter.  

It was another positive result in Real Betis's quest for a Champions League spot next season. Another goal from leading scorer Borja Iglesias, surprisingly only a substitute in Manchester, handed the Sevillan side a first-half advantage. The striker tapped home when former Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina fumbled the ball.

Yeremy Pino equalised for the Yellow Submarine in the 55th minute, although his effort was initially ruled out for offside and was only given after VAR intervention.

Pellegrini felt it was a "good point" in La Liga and his side will now look to make a fight of things in the Europa League, as they go into Thursday's game at their imposing Estadio Benito Villamarin after losing 4-1 to United in the first leg.

Rui Silva played in goal on Sunday, rather than former Manchester City 'keeper Claudio Bravo. Meanwhile midfielder Sergio Canales, who came off the bench in our first leg, started against Villarreal and was withdrawn just before the hour mark.

Veteran midfielder Joaquin was an unused substitute at the weekend after captaining the team at Old Trafford.

Paul Akoujou came on but is not registered in the Europa League, while Nabil Fekir and Juan Cruz are definitely ruled out due to injury.