Fans joke Erik ten Hag asked for three more goals when Man United were 4-1 up against Real Betis

Fans joked that Erik ten Hag made a reference to the 7-0 defeat to Liverpool when his Manchester United side were 4-1 up against Real Betis.

United, who fielded the same side, ran out comfortable winners against the La Liga outfit in the Europa League round of 16 first leg clash, with goals from Marcus Rashford, Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst - the latter nearly breaking down in tears after finding the net.

It was a strong response to one of the worst defeats in the club's history at Anfield on Sunday, where Ten Hag branded his players "unprofessional" for their performance.

Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah all struck, with Roberto Firmino adding more misery right at the end.

Betis fans had plenty of jibes about the 7-0 hammering but the internet decided that Ten Hag's gesture was also related to it.

With United 4-1 up and cruising, the cameras captured him making a "three gesture" with his fingers and that led to a slew of reaction online - with many thinking he was telling his team they had to bag another three.

Erik ten Hag telling the players he want three more goals because of the 7-0 😭#MUFCpic.twitter.com/j9y0sHUX3A

— BlockSports (@Blockbetsports) March 9, 2023

One said: "Ten Hag telling the players they owe him THREE more goals."

A second added: "9 big chances 7 missed. He is right they owe him those goals."

Another tweeted: "He wasn’t joking when he said he wanted revenge."

A fourth wrote: "Ten Hag asking three more goals by showing his three fingers was a hilarious moment."

A final user posted: "Ten hag demanding three more goals at 85’."

In all truth the Dutchman, who threatened to send misfiring stars to the reserves after their Liverpool showing, was likely shouting a tactical command to his players on how to press or how many to have in midfield.

United will take a comfortable three-goal lead to Andalusia for the second leg next week and will look to build on the win in the Premier League on Sunday against Southampton at Old Trafford.