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Opponent Watch: Influential Real Betis star set to return for Manchester United tie

Sergio Canales of Real Betis celebrates after scoring the team's second goal from the penalty spot during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Betis and Real Valladolid CF at Estadio Benito Villamarin on February 18, 2023 in Seville, Spain.
Sergio Canales of Real Betis. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Sergio Canales set to return for Real Betis vs Manchester United in Europa League

Real Betis star Sergio Canales is set to return from injury against Manchester United in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16, according to Marca (h/t Manchester Evening News).

Manuel Pellegrini’s team will visit Old Trafford on Thursday (9 March). The Verdiblancos will have one of their most influential players back for the tie versus the Red Devils.

Canales made his way to the Verdiblancos in the summer of 2018. The 32-year-old has cast experience of Spanish football, playing for the likes of Real Madrid, Valencia and Real Sociedad.

Sergio Canales is one of the most influential players at Real Betis.
Sergio Canales is one of the most influential players at Real Betis. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)

Over the years, the Spain international has been a key player for the Benito Villamarín Stadium side over the years. In the current campaign, he has made 28 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing two assists in all competitions.

Canales has missed the last two fixtures for Betis in the league against Elche and Madrid. The Verdiblanos managed a draw against Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

The La Liga outfit finished first in Group C of the UEL. Pellegrini’s team managed to pip Serie A giants Roma to the top spot and qualified directly to the round of 16.

https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1633040022663315457?s=20

United had to take a longer route. The Red Devils were unable to attain first place in their group and finished second. As a result, we had to play a two-legged playoff tie to move forward in the competition.

The Old Trafford side had Barcelona in their way. However, after getting a draw at Camp Nou, the Manchester-based club were successful in beating the Blaugrana 2-1 at home.

More Manchester United News

United are coming off of a damaging loss to Liverpool in the Premier League. Hopefully, we will be able to bounce back with a positive win over Betis.

Written by Aheed Abrar

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