Manchester United could not qualify for the Champions League and will have to settle for the consolation prize of competing in the Europa League. The team led by Erik Ten Hag is part of Group E in the competition along with Sheriff Tiraspol, Omonia Nicosia, and Real Sociedad, with the latter being their opponent in the first match of this phase.
The focus of this match will be on Cristiano Ronaldo, who would return to play the tournament after 20 years. The Portuguese, relegated to the substitute bench in the last Premier League matches, would start from the initial minute alongside another surprise: the newly signed midfielder Casemiro.
The goal would also have a new goalkeeper in the figure of Martin Dúbravka, who would take the place of David de Gea. In addition, the questioned center-back Harry Maguire would be a starter instead of Lisandro Martínez. Finally, the winger Anthony Elanga would replace Marcus Rashford.
The Red Devils play in the Europa League for the second consecutive year. Photo: Manchester United
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Possible Manchester United lineup
- Dúbravka; Shaw, Maguire, Lindelof, Dalot; Casemiro, Fred, Fernandes; Elanga, Sancho, Cristiano.
Possible Real Sociedad lineup
- Remiro; Gorosabel, Zubeldia, Aritz, Muñoz; Zubimendi, Merino, Silva, Brais Méndez; Cho, Sadiq.
What time is Manchester United vs. Real Sociedad?
The clash between the English and Spanish teams will take place at Old Trafford Stadium on Thursday, September 8, at 2:00 p.m. (Peruvian time). Both clubs are facing each other in the second most important club tournament of UEFA for the second consecutive year.