Betis in good hands against Man United

Real Betis were dealt a tough Europa League last 16 draw against Erik ten Hag's Manchester United but the Spanish side are in good hands when it comes to facing the Red Devils.

Former Manchester City coach Manuel Pellegrini has curated an impressive record against the Premier League giants and will believe he can mastermind another victory over Barcelona's conquerors in the play-off round.

Pellegrini and Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti exchanged words after their sides shared a 0-0 draw on Sunday in La Liga, joking about Liverpool's emphatic 7-0 victory over Manchester United at Anfield earlier on.

The Chilean will be the happier of the two, ahead of Thursday's first leg visit to Old Trafford, while Ancelotti's Madrid must now host a Liverpool side with a newfound spring in their step in the Champions League next week.

Pellegrini, at Manchester City between 2013-2016, and later at West Ham, has only suffered defeat three times in 13 clashes with United, and will look to capitalise on their shock defeat and dented confidence.

Despite United's humiliation at Anfield, Ten Hag's side are still favourites against Betis, littered with stars including Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.

Pellegrini believes the Madrid draw shows Betis can compete with any team, even if most of his squad by contrast is unknown outside of Spain.

"The team is always working to improve, there are always players missing for different reasons and those who are fit have to push on," said the coach. "For a long time this team has been (competitive), no matter who they are playing against. Today Madrid did a lot, it was a fair draw -- but the best chances were ours."