Manchester United will welcome Real Sociedad to Old Trafford this Thursday night as the Red Devils step out under the Europa League lights once more after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season and recording a dismal Champions League effort.
Things do look very different this season for United, however, and it is they, Roma and Arsenal who are currently leading the way as the teams to watch in the Europa League so far.
🏆 Our #UEL campaign gets under way on Thursday at Old Trafford.#MUFC— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 6, 2022
🏆 Our #UEL campaign gets under way on Thursday at Old Trafford.#MUFC
The Red Devils are now on a four-game winning run as well, following on from conceding six goals in the first two games of the new Premier League season as they lost to Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion.
United smashed Arsenal 3-1 last time out after leading through a debut goal from Antony, who is also expected to start in this one.
Marcus Rashford’s brace in the second half secured all three points for United, with the Englishman also scoring the decisive goal against Liverpool two weeks ago.
Further victories over Southampton and Leicester City put United as the most in-form team in the Premier League right now based on recent results.
What’s more, there are set to be some huge changes to Erik ten Hag’s team ahead of this game. Cristiano Ronaldo can’t find his way into the starting XI anymore, and he will brutally have to settle for Europa League action, and the same applies to club captain, Harry Maguire, who is likely to come in for Lisandro Martinez.
Casemiro is also expected to get his first start of the season with the former Real Madrid star having to settle for positions off the bench since signing just before the Liverpool game.
Reports are also suggesting Antony will start, which likely means a front three of Ronaldo, the Brazilian and perhaps one of the youngsters like Alejandro Garnacho.
As for Sociedad, they currently sit ninth in the league right now back in Spain in what has been a topsy-turvy time for the club.
They did manage to secure a point against Atletico Madrid last time out in La Liga, as they came from behind to draw 1-1. This also comes after a 1-0 victory on the road against Elche.
However, with a 4-1 demolition by Barcelona against Sociedad on their own patch, United will be confident in getting all three points on the opening day in Europa League.
However, with the team changes and a lack of focus on this competition for United, Forebet predicts a draw here and for the game to see under 2.5 goals.