IT has been a mixed bag for Manchester United in pre-season so far and it will be interesting to see how they get on against Real Betis in San Diego as the countdown to the new Premier League season continues.
The Community Shield derby clash with Manchester City is less than a fortnight away now so Erik ten Hag will be looking for signs that his team are ready for the challenges ahead in the domestic season.
The Dutchman ripped into his players after they lost their first friendly to Norwegian side Rosenborg and got a response as they eased to a 2-0 victory over Rangers at Murrayfield.
But Manchester United lost again at the weekend as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Arsenal so Ten Hag will be looking for a victory ahead of their final American friendly against Liverpool on Sunday.
Real Betis are a little bit behind United in their preparations for the new campaign, with their first La Liga fixture against Girona not until August 15.
The first-team have played just two friendlies so far, routing Austria Salzburg 5-1 before losing 1-0 to Liverpool in their first game against an English giant over in America.
Manuel Pellegrini was a thorn in United's side during his days as Manchester City boss and would love to mastermind another victory over the Red Devils with his talented Real Betis side.
How the bookies view it: Red Devils the favourites
Despite their flaky performances so far in pre-season, Manchester United are Betfred's 21/20 favourites here. The La Liga side are 2/1 outsiders and the draw pays 5/2.
Head to head: Real Betis out for revenge
These sides faced off just over a year ago in the Europa League, with Manchester United winning home and away. They romped to a 4-1 win at Old Trafford and followed it up with a 1-0 win in Spain. That was the first meeting of these sides.
Players to watch: Rashford set to lead the line
United have splashed out on Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee to boost their attacking options but the Dutchman is on extended leave after the Euros. With Rasmus Hojlund picking up an injury against Arsenal, it means Marcus Rashford will probably lead the line here. That makes him the best bet for a goal once that market is priced up.
Pellegrini will probably freshen things up a little after the loss to Liverpool. Ezequiel Avila is a new arrival up front from Osasuna and the Argentine could start after coming off the bench against Liverpool. He will be out to catch the manager's eye and could be worth a punt to score.
Probable teams
Both managers will probably make a few changes to get some game time into legs ahead of the big kick-off. Zirkzee, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes are still sitting it out for Manchester United while new boy Leny Soro is also injured.
Manchester United: Onana, Fish, Wan Bissaka, Evans, Amass, Eriksen, Casemiro, McTominay, Antony, Sancho, Hojlund.
Real Betis: Adrian, Bellerin, Cardoso, Mendy, Alcazar, Lozano, Fornals, Ruibal, Juanmi, Fekir, Avila.
Anything else catch the eye?
With both managers continuing to experiment we should see goals at both ends. Over 3.5 strikes could pay off at 5/4 with Betfred while BTTS is much shorter at just 4/9. Going for both teams to score in the first half boosts the odds to 5/2.
Real Betis gave Liverpool a good test and this should be another close game. The half-time draw looks like another bet worth exploring at 11/8.
This Club Friendly match between Manchester United and Real Betis will be played on Aug 1, 2024 and kick off at 03:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester United vs Real Betis prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
