Real Sociedad defender Diego Rico has praised Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the Europa League clash between the two sides on Thursday night.
Erik ten Hag's men travel to the Reale Arena knowing that a two-goal victory will secure them top spot in Group E. The Spanish side defeated the Reds 1-0 at Old Trafford in September.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to feature for United in the Europa League match, with the 37-year-old having scored 14 times in his career against Real Sociedad.
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Despite the Portuguese star's impressive record against the LaLiga outfit, former Bournemouth defender Rico is hoping to keep Ronaldo quiet on Thursday night, insisting that he will have to remain focused throughout.
When asked if marking the United man was the same difficult task that it once was, Rico suggested that he was 'the same Ronaldo'.
"I think he’s the same Ronaldo as always," he told the Daily Mail. "He can score a goal against you from any type of cross or a shot from anywhere. We have to be very focused on him and on all their players."
The 29-year-old Spaniard also backed Antony after the the Brazilian attacker came under criticism for a piece of skill during United's recent victory over Sheriff. The Reds forward was slammed by several pundits, but Rico has claimed that players should be allowed to express themselves.
He stated: "Every player should be able to do whatever they want on the pitch so long as they are not hurting an opponent,’ he says of the controversy that followed the weekend trick.
"That’s the way he plays and he’s not going to change no matter how much the criticise him. And if the pass after it goes out then it’s even more harmless."
While Sociedad come into the match against Ten Hag's side having the chance to secure top spot, Rico is keen to focus on winning the match, rather than thinking about their final position.
"Well let’s win this game first. We still haven’t achieved anything yet," the defender continued.
"It’s not just that finishing second you have to play a team that has dropped out of the Champions League, it’s the having to play two more games and with the work load that we have, that’s important too."
Ten Hag's men have won four of their opening five Europa League matches this term, with their only defeat in the competition coming against their opponents on Thursday night.
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