Manchester United will travel to Spain this week to face Real Sociedad in their final Europa League group game.
In a quest to finish top of Group E, United will aim to beat Sociedad by two or more goals on Thursday. By doing so, they would avoid the prospect of facing a Champions League dropout club in the round of 16 playoffs. Juventus, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are among the sides joining the Europa League.
Erik ten Hag will be keen to avoid any added fixture congestion in United’s already hectic schedule. The Reds have four games remaining before international sides travel to Qatar to kick off the World Cup later this month.
Early team news has been confirmed via the Man Utd website.
United team news
Raphael Varane remains sidelined until after the World Cup. Victor Lindelof was fell ill before Sunday’s match with West Ham, meaning club captain Harry Maguire returned to starting lineup to partner Lisandro Martinez.
Anthony Martial has also returned to training after missing the majority of the season so far due to numerous injuries.
Antony had also picked up a knock and was consequently omitted from the matchday squad. Ten Hag was hopeful of their return in time for Thursday, he said: “I think they will recover but I can’t tell you any more. We have to see what develops in the coming days and how they progress but I hope, when we go to Spain, everyone is on board.”
Real Sociedad team news
Former Real Madrid winger Takefusa Kubo will miss out on Thursday, as well as former Man City midfielder David Silva, Ander Barrenetxea, Momo Cho, Aihen Munoz, Mikel Oyarzabol and Umar Sadiq.
