There are going to be at least six players in the Manchester United squad that will have a point to prove to Erik Ten Hag in the Europa League clash. The Red Devils will play Europa League this week at home.
Hence, a number of bench players will get the chance to play this week. The Red Devils are going to mix up the squad to manage the hectic schedule this season.
MANCHESTER UNITED AGAINST REAL SOCIEDAD ANALYSIS PRE-MATCH FULL REPORT
Manchester United will switch their attention to the start of their Europa League campaign. They will face La Liga outfit Real Sociedad at Old Trafford on Thursday evening. The Red Devils won their fourth successive victory in the Premier League. They beat the current table toppers Arsenal 3-1. A brace from Marcus Rashford and a debut goal for new signing Antony continued their brilliant form.
However, now the full focus will be on Europa League. Manchester United will have to play Europa League as they finished 6th on the Premier League table. The competition will provide them an opportunity to win the trophy and enter the Champions League next season. They are pitted against Sociedad, Sherif, and Omonia Nicosia in Group E. Hence, it makes them overwhelming favorites to top the group.
THE EUROPA LEAGUE WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE BENCH PLAYERS TO PROVE THEIR WORTH TO ERIK TEN HAG
A number of players that have not made starts under Erik Ten Hag will have the chance to prove their worth. Ten Hag will be looking to give chances to a number of players due to their busy schedules. There are six such players that may get the chance. One of them is Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The right-back is currently the backup to Diogo Dalot. He has only made one substitute appearance this season.
Another one is Harry Maguire. The center-back is behind in the pecking order after Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. The other players that could feature are Cristiano Ronaldo, Casemiro, Donny Van de Beek, and Luke Shaw. Another interesting stat is Cristiano Ronaldo will play in Europa League for the first time since 2002.
Manchester United themselves will be playing in the Europa League group stage for the first time since 2019. However, they are going to be the top contender to win the trophy this season. Hence, Erik Ten Hag will have a big challenge on his hands in his debut season.
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