Alejandro Garnacho was left behind in Manchester after suffering an injury which will keep him out of action for several weeks.
Erik ten Hag explained this week that he wants Garnacho to be ‘ready’ in the hope United reach the finals of the Europa League and FA Cup.
The team moved a step nearer last night by confirming a Europa League quarter-final berth with a 1-0 victory away at Real Betis.
Marcus Rashford scored the winner, helping United to a 5-1 aggregate victory.
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Garnacho reacts to Pellistri performance
With Garnacho sidelined, it was his fellow young South American who became one of the big stories of the night.
Facundo Pellistri was selected as a starter for Manchester United for the very first time, and played all 90 minutes in the 1-0 victory.
The 21-year-old put in a mature display, looking very comfortable as a first team starter. His teammates certainly approved of his display.
After the game Pellistri posted a message on Instagram, celebrating progression to the next round, with Garnacho among those to respond, writing ‘What a player’.
Manchester United are next in action on Sunday against Fulham in the FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford.
Then we head into the international break, before a three game run of Premier League games against Newcastle, Brentford and Everton, which Casemiro will be suspended for.