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Real Sociedad of Spain will be the opponent when Manchester United kicks off its European schedule. Erik Ten Hag has seemingly discovered his ideal starting lineup after a slow start to the season, as seen by his four straight victories, two of which came against Liverpool and Arsenal.
Team News
Luke Shaw made the bench for Man United’s victory over Arsenal; however, Anthony Martial, Facundo Pellistri, and Brandon Williams—who did not make the Europa League team—remain out with serious injuries.
The out-of-favor duo of Donny van de Beek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will need to be assessed as they work to recover from their injuries in time for the game. The hosts are likely to use a rotation, with Martin Dubravka hoping to make his goalkeeping debut.
Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford may not be risked after their cautious withdrawals over the weekend as Harry Maguire, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Casemiro try to push their way into the starting lineup.
Due to a stress fracture in his foot, the French center defender Robin Le Normand as well as Mikel Oyarzabal, Martin Merquelanz, and Carlos Fernandez will not play for the visitors.
Diego Rico, a left defender who is recovering from a hamstring injury, was able to sit out the match against Atletico, and Aritz Elustondo could replace Le Normand in the middle of the defense.
Key Players
Cristiano Ronaldo
Despite all the transfer rumors that have circulated this summer, Cristiano Ronaldo is still a member of the Manchester United team. The Europa League is the perfect setting for him to show Erik Ten Hag that, at the age of 37, he still has it.
The Portuguese striker is still a leader on and off the field even though he may not be the player he once was or fit the new system. Ten Hag will depend on Ronaldo to perform against Sociedad because he will start the game.
Raphael Varane
With Maguire and Lindelof relegated to the bench, Raphael Varane and Martinez have emerged as Ten Hag’s first choices at center back. However, Maguire’s return to the team for this game will make Varane’s task even more crucial since despite all of his strengths, Maguire is extremely prone to mistakes and is, quite frankly, invisible when a player manages to knock the ball past him.
David Silva
David Silva has been the epitome of success, always following the player. The former Manchester City player joined Real Sociedad in the summer of 2020 after leaving the Etihad Stadium, where he has since continued to impress whenever given the chance. The former Spanish international scored four goals and provided nine assists in two seasons. Silva has played against Manchester United on numerous occasions in Manchester derbies, so he is accustomed to doing so. The supporters of Real Sociedad will be hoping Silva can work his magic again against his old neighbors.
Mikel Merino
Merino doesn’t provide much creatively to Sociedad, but he helps the team quickly transition from defense to attack with his quick passing. Although he is not a ball wizard nor a press-resistant midfielder, he aids La Real in breaching defenses and exploding on the counterattack. Merino contributes to overloads on the left wing, which aid La Real’s offensive prowess. Merino plays a crucial role in regaining possession in addition to retaining it.
Probably Lineups
Man United: Dubravka; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Fernandes, Elanga; Ronaldo.
Real Sociedad: Remiro; Gorosabel, Zubeldia, Elustondo, Munoz; Mendez, Zubimendi, Merino; Silva; Sadiq, Sorloth.
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