Erik ten Hag has announced his line-up for the Europa League match between Manchester United and Real Sociedad. The Dutch coach has decided to give a number of players a rest and that means that Cristiano Ronaldo has a starting place again. Raphaël Varane and Lisandro Martínez are replaced in the center back by Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf. Tyrell Malacia again gets a basic spot.
Harry Maguire was already told last week that he could play against Sociedad, since Varane and Martínez were nominated to get a rest from Ten Hag. However, the Tukker did not stop there, because Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford also start from the bench on Thursday evening. Furthermore, Casemiro makes his basic debut centrally in midfield.
Antony, who stole the hearts of United fans on his debut against Arsenal last weekend by scoring an instant goal, starts from the right wing. Cristiano Ronaldo, who was a substitute last weekend, is in the starting line this time. The Portuguese, who Ten Hag already said is getting fitter, is in the striker position at the Red Devils. Anthony Elanga is left winger and completes the front line.
United will therefore immediately start the Europa League campaign with a game against Real Sociedad, the strongest opponent in Group E on paper. The other two teams in Group E are Sheriff Tiraspol and Omonia Nicosia. They meet on Thursday evening in Cyprus. Next week United will visit Sheriff in Moldova and in between the English play in the Premier League against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Line-up of Manchester United: DeGea; Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Malacia; Casemiro, Eriksen, Fred; Anthony, Ronaldo, Elanga.