Real Betis enter this week’s Europa League last 16 second leg with Manchester United 4-1 down after their defeat at Old Trafford last week.
They have a huge task ahead to try and overturn the deficit, and even manager Manuel Pellegrini does not fancy their chances.
Speaking at a press conference reported by AS, Pellegrini admits the odds are stacked against his side.
Betis are also without defender Luiz Felipe, who sustained a hamstring injury at Old Trafford.
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Pellegrini on Manchester United
Pellegrini says Real Betis will try to win the game but recognises they have only a very slim chance to progress.
He said: “You never know what can happen. We know that it is a great team, it is very difficult and there are few chances of qualifying.
“We will try to play well and then we will see if we are able to score the necessary goals.”
He referred to Manchester United’s budget as creating an uneven playing field, and says it will not be a failure if Betis fail to progress.
Pellegrini said: “If it is not achieved, it is not a failure. It is a Champions team with a Champions League budget and players of 80 and 100 million.
“I think there were times when the game was even. We go hand in hand with reality, but ambition is always present.”
Marcus Rashford, Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst scored the goals for Manchester United last week, with Ayoze Perez on target for Real Betis.
Antony won’t be available for the second leg due to illness. He is not part of the travelling squad, and nor is Anthony Martial, which is not too surprising at this point.
A place in the quarter-finals is on the line, with those matches to be played in mid-April.
Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro must both avoid a booking as they are one yellow card away from suspension.