Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is expected to make numerous changes to the side that beat Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday when the Red Devils begin their Europa League campaign tonight.
La Liga outfit Real Sociedad are the visitors to Old Trafford on Thursday as United get their Group E fixtures underway and, despite winning their past four games, Ten Hag is preparing to make changes in order to utilise his squad depth as the games come thick and fast.
And ahead of the game, Mirror Football takes a look at the predicted lineup for the Red Devils tonight as they look to kick things off in style and record their fifth consecutive victory of the season.
With another big test away to Crystal Palace to come on Sunday, and with this being United’s fourth of seven games in the space of 22 days, Ten Hag is set to make a number of changes to his side ahead of tonight’s fixture in order to keep fitness levels at a maximum.
Tonight would present a good time for deadline day signing Martin Dubravka to be given a run out in the first team in order to gain some valuable minutes, but David de Gea will be expected to keep his place as Man Utd’s No.1 between the sticks after starting in every Premier League game so far this season.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been struggling with a knock of late, so it is unlikely that he will replace first choice right back Diogo Dalot against Real Sociedad, who has started all of United’s six games this campaign. On the opposite flank, Luke Shaw is expected to come in for Tyrell Malacia, having lost his place to the Dutchman in recent weeks.
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Harry Maguire was dropped for Raphael Varane after just two games of the season, but the club captain is expected to regain his starting spot from the Frenchman tonight. His centre back partner, Lisandro Martinez, is also expected to be rested in order to give Victor Lindelof his first appearance of the season.
With United likely to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation, the midfield two of academy product Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen are set to be replaced by Brazilian duo Casemiro, which will be his first start for the club since joining from Real Madrid this summer, and Fred.
Bruno Fernandes, who has been a mainstay in the team so far this season, looks set to retain his place.
On the right hand side, Antony could be set to retain his place following an impressive debut in the 3-1 victory over Arsenal on Sunday, in which he scored the opener, as Ten Hag looks to build up his fitness ahead of the rest of the campaign. If not, Anthony Elanga could deputise.
The most notable introduction to the side tonight will be that of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has had to be content with a place on the bench in the last four games after trying to force a move away from the club over the summer, but he will come in for Jadon Sancho.
Finally, Marcus Rashford should retain his place in attack following a two goal haul against Arsenal just four days ago, meaning he now has three goals and two assists in six games this season. He's likely to shift over to the left, with Ronaldo through the middle.
Man Utd predicted lineup to face Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1) : De Gea; Dalot; Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Ronaldo
