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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Flintham

Real Sociedad midfielder confirms plan vs Manchester United in Europa League decider

Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino has told Manchester United that his side plans to go for the win on Thursday night, despite knowing a draw or even a one-goal defeat would be enough for the Spanish club to top the group.

United must win by two or more goals to finish top of Group E ahead of the current leaders Sociedad. The La Liga side have not yet dropped a point in this year's group phase, which included a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford earlier in the campaign.

Should the Reds finish second in their group, they will face a team that finished third in their Champions League group to decide who progresses to the last 16. That match will take place over two legs with the second fixture guaranteed to be played at Old Trafford should United finish their group as runners-up.

ALSO READ: United training squad ahead of Real Sociedad

Speaking to Marca, Merino outlined that his side will not be playing negatively in order to avoid a heavy defeat.

"I don't know exactly the approach that Imanol (Real Sociedad's manager) will take, but whatever the idea is, you have to be a brave team, a team that wants to win," the midfielder said. "Any game that you go out to play with your mind on drawing or losing by the least, you start off on the wrong foot and surely you end up losing it by more than one and you don't enjoy playing. You won't see me playing [for] something other than winning."

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