Real Betis Manager Manuel Pellegrini admits he is unaware how Manchester United will react after getting thrashed by Liverpool on Sunday.
The Red Devils host Betis in Thursday’s Europa League round-of-16 clash.
Pellegrini faced United several times while managing Manchester City for three years. He now returns to Old Trafford to renew acquaintances as Betis’ boss.
He told Telegraph Sport: “I’m sure they see me as the great enemy.
“I don’t think United have ever been hit as hard as this. I don’t know how the team will react. Whether they’ll go down or come at us with a knife between their teeth.
“An institution as big as Manchester United would always be resurrected. They have invested a lot of money to become competitive again against City, Liverpool or Chelsea.”
Manchester United have to learn and bounce back
The wounds from the 7-0 embarrassing defeat to Liverpool will still be fresh. It will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the worst games in the club’s history.
However, United cannot allow the Liverpool game to define the rest of the campaign.
This season has been full of ups and downs but the Red Devils can still complete a treble.
They recently defeated Barcelona, who are top of La Liga. They earned their place in the Europa League last 16 and now have to aim to win the competition.
The games against Betis won’t be easy with Pellegrini at the helm. They head into the game on the back of a 0-0 draw against league champions Real Madrid.
Erik ten Hag will be hoping his players can register a statement victory.
