Manchester United must overcome Real Sociedad by two or more goals on Thursday to finish top of their Europa League group and avoid a daunting knockout round play-off against a side from the Champions League.
But their task has been made even tougher after Erik ten Hag left three crucial players out of his travelling squad to Spain, although the Dutchman has since revealed the reasons behind his decision. Elsewhere, the Red Devils have added a second friendly to their mid-season training camp during the World Cup as preparations begin to step up.
Mirror Football takes a look at all the latest stories coming out of Old Trafford.
Man Utd explain trio’s absence
Antony, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial have all been left out of Man United’s travelling squad to face Real Sociedad in their final Europa League group game on Thursday as the Red Devils aim to secure their place in the last 16.
The former and the latter both missed out on Sunday’s 1-0 defeat of West Ham through injury, while Sancho was an unused substitute in that game. All three players have not flown to Spain and will remain at the club’s training base instead.
An official club statement on their website said: "Antony and Anthony Martial will remain at Carrington, to continue with their individual training work, while Jadon Sancho is ill."
Read the story in full HERE .
How will Man Utd fare without these three players? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Erik ten Hag steps up World Cup plans
Man United will embark on a mid-season training camp to Spain during the international break for the World Cup as they aim to keep players fresh for the Premier League ’s return in December.
The Red Devils will also take on La Liga outfit Cadiz whilst in the Mediterranean, as those players who will not be with their nations in Qatar aim to stay on track under Ten Hag’s wing and prepare themselves for a return to action.
But those plans have stepped up another gear, with United now set to face Seville-based outfit Real Betis in a second friendly, who will provide a much tougher challenge than Cadiz as Ten Hag looks to put his players to the test next month.
Read the story in full HERE .
Red Devils told to sign “next Wayne Rooney”
Former Man United striker Michael Owen has told the Red Devils to complete a blockbuster signing for the “next Wayne Rooney ” if they are serious about challenging for the Premier League title.
Ten Hag’s side failed to bring in a new striker during the summer transfer window and currently have Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial as their striking options, but Owen believes his former club need to invest in a long-term striker to achieve success.
Speaking to AceOdds, he said: “I think when you’re Manchester United, you’re probably looking at the next Wayne Rooney, the next 18, 19, 20-year-old. If you’re going to buy somebody they need to nail that position down for the next decade.”
Read the story in full HERE .
