Manchester United continued their US adventure with a clash against La Liga side Real Betis. The teams clashed in 2023, but this game had much less on the line (unless you value pre-season trophies). Despite the lacking importance in the fixture, United could put on a strong showing against a major European club, utilising their options in both senior and younger talents.

United provided plenty of drama as the 5 goal clash saw United come out on top. While it may be a positive result overall, there’s a question over conceding 2 goals in the game, while also possible injury concerns as United had Rashford and Antony limp off during the game.

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Teams

Manchester United: Heaton, Amass (Murray 63′), Maguire (Evans 46′), Lindelof (Fish 46′), Wan-Bissaka (Mount 63′), Casemiro (Collyer 62′), McTominay (Scanlon 63′), Sancho (Oyedele 62′), Eriksen (Antony 62′ – Mather 86′), Amad (Wheatley 62′), Rashford (Mejbri 64′)

Subs: Onana, Mee, Fletcher

Real Betis: Silva (Vieites 46′), Perraud (Alcazar 88′), Mendy, Llorente (Bartra 69′), Bellerin (Sabaly 69′), Losada (Fekir 69′), Roca (Cardoso 46′ – Flores 88′), Altimira (Carvalho 69′), Ruibal (Fornals 81′), Rodri (Garcia 80′), Avila (Juanmi 69′)

Subs: Adrian, Sierra, Fernandez

Manchester United 3-2 Real Betis

Manchester United came from behind to overcome Real Betis in an entertaining friendly at Snapdragon Stadium, clenching a 3–2 victory and lifting the Snapdragon Cup. Betis stunned the hosts early through Iker Losada, capitalising on a loose clearance by Tom Heaton in the 15th minute. Yet United responded emphatically: Marcus Rashford converted a 18th-minute penalty after Amad earned it, before the Ivorian smashed in a sublime strike six minutes later. Casemiro completed the first-half flurry, reacting quickest to a corner to make it 3–1 inside just thirteen frantic minutes.

With the score comfortably in their favour at the break, Erik ten Hag’s side continued to press. However, Betis hit back courtesy of a commanding Diego Llorente header in the 61st minute, courtesy of a well-delivered corner . A late injury scare when Rashford limped off was a worrying reminder of United’s fragile pre-season, while Antony also departed early in the second half. Despite Betis pushing persistently, United’s fresh legs, especially from substitutes like Mason Mount and Hannibal Mejbri, helped see out the win.

Beyond the score line, the fabric of the performance offered a microcosm of United’s evolving squad depth: Amad was heavily involved in each first-half goal, marking himself as a genuine contender for a starting berth, while emerging left-back Harry Amass impressed with his attacking forays. The goal rush and spirited response typify ten Hag’s attacking philosophy, though the crop of injuries, especially to Rashford and Antony, casts a shadow as United head into their final friendly against Liverpool and the eagerly anticipated Community Shield clash.

Talking Points

Despite the positive result, Manchester United’s 3–2 win over Real Betis was again marred by worrying injury concerns. Marcus Rashford, who had looked lively in the first half and netted a confident penalty, was forced off late in the second half after pulling up and immediately signalling to the bench. Earlier in the game, Antony was also withdrawn prematurely, compounding United’s growing list of fitness issues this pre-season. With the Community Shield against Manchester City just around the corner, Erik ten Hag will be anxiously awaiting updates, particularly with several key players, including Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martínez already nursing knocks.

On the pitch, United showed plenty of promise. After falling behind to Iker Losada’s opener, they responded with intensity and clinical finishing., scoring three goals in just thirteen minutes. Amad Diallo was at the heart of everything good in attack, winning the penalty, scoring a thunderous goal of his own, and playing a part in the corner that led to Casemiro’s close-range finish. Though Betis pulled one back through Diego Llorente in the second half, United’s energy and control, particularly in transition, will have pleased Ten Hag as his side lifted the Snapdragon Cup in front of a strong San Diego crowd.

With several first-team regulars absent or eased back into action, United’s broader squad depth was tested and largely delivered. Amad’s standout display was complemented by strong showings from young full-back Harry Amass and returning figures like Mason Mount, who added calmness to the midfield in the closing stages. Ten Hag also gave valuable minutes to Hannibal Mejbri and Willy Kambwala, both of whom showed signs they could play rotational roles this season. While injuries continue to disrupt pre-season plans, United’s performance against Betis highlighted the growing maturity of their squad beyond the usual starters, a promising sign with a long season ahead.