LONDON – Erik ten Hag hailed the “good attitude” of his Manchester United players after they clinched an emphatic 4-1 home win over Real Betis in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday, four days after their humbling loss to Liverpool.

Marcus Rashford, Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst scored the goals to give United a huge advantage ahead of the return leg in Spain next week, while Ayoze Perez – on loan from Leicester City – netted for the Spanish La Liga side.

“Definitely (the response I wanted), we said that we had to reset and we have to bounce back,” ten Hag said, in reference to the 7-0 Premier League thrashing by Liverpool.

“It was a good attitude from the start. Front foot, we were good on the ball, finding spare men in the midfield. We made good switches, we made good runs in behind and created a lot of chances. So yes, we are happy today.

“I think we played a very good game and also, to give something to the fans. They gave us something back as well because they were behind us.

“We’re very grateful after Sunday.”

The Red Devils were desperate to get an early goal but Casemiro’s fifth-minute effort was ruled out for offside.

Rashford soon scored his 26th goal of the season in all competitions, however, controlling a cross from Fernandes and smashing it into the top corner to the delight of Old Trafford fans who braved the chilly temperatures and blowing snow.

Perez then scored his first goal for Betis in the 32nd minute. There were questions about a handball in the build-up but the video assistant referee (VAR) officials ruled otherwise.

The home team dominated the second half, and Brazilian winger Antony put United ahead in the 52nd minute, launching a blistering left-foot shot from just outside the box into the top corner.

Six minutes later, Fernandes shrugged off the scathing criticism he received as captain after Sunday’s poor performance with a goal, heading in a corner off the fingertips of Betis goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.

An emotional Weghorst finally got his goal in the 82nd minute after missing numerous chances, steering the ball into the net after a cutback from substitute Facundo Pellistri.

Ten Hag also reserved special praise for his captain.

“For Bruno, I think he was brilliant today. He led the team from the first minute. In possession, he made the rhythm of the game and he scored a goal, so I am happy.”

In earlier matches, Premier League leaders Arsenal drew 2-2 at Sporting Lisbon, with manager Mikel Arteta urging his team to improve their defence after they had to fight back after going 2-1 behind.

The Gunners went ahead in the 22nd minute through William Saliba but Goncalo Inacio equalised in the 34th minute before Paulinho made it 2-1 in the 55th. Arsenal drew level through Hidemasa Morita’s own goal in the 62nd minute.

Arteta was unhappy as his men conceded two goals for the second successive game following their 3-2 Premier League win over Bournemouth last weekend.

“We are conceding too many simple goals and we’ve talked about the importance of boxes, and especially in a competition where you are in or out,” he said.

“Today we didn’t defend that well enough, and we have to do better up against our opponents.”

Arteta also said the team lacked their usual attacking threat owing to the absence of some key players, including striker Gabriel Jesus, who is yet to reach full fitness after suffering a knee injury at the World Cup in early December.

“We had some positives because we showed a lot of resilience to get back in the game, but we need to defend our box much better and we have to be in the return leg to beat them,” he added. REUTERS