Manchester United will be looking to book their place in the last 16 of the Europa League when they take on Real Sociedad at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
The Reds go into the game leading 4-0 on aggregate knowing that bar a catastrophe United should be progressing through to the next round comfortably.
Head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is widely expected to make a host of changes to his side to face the Spanish side with Dean Henderson, Donny Van De Beek and Mason Greenwood all pushing for starts.
Few if any would have expected such a result in Turin last week. Prior to the game, if a draw was offered to Solskjaer, he would probably have snatched it with both hands.
Although United are well and truly in the driving seat against the Spanish side we don’t want this to become one of those freak results where United fall short to an historic comeback which is why an early goal from United would prove vital. It would end the tie completely and put to rest any nerves of a Real Sociedad comeback.
The Europa League may not be top of every fans wishlist this season but it still provides the Reds a opportunity of winning some silverware this season and by winning the competition it would also guarantee the club a place in next seasons UEFA Champions League and with the battle for this seasons top four looking likely to go down to the wire winning the Europa League could prove to be invaluable for United.
Dreams of a 21st league title may have faded but if United can win some silverware this season and book a place in next seasons UEFA Champions League then Solskjaer can still make this season a successful one for the club.
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