On Thursday at Old Trafford, Manchester United take on Real Sociedad in Group E's opening match after ending Arsenal's undefeated start to the season.
At the weekend, the Red Devils defeated their adversaries from the capital Arsenal 3-1, while the guests from Spain earned a point by drawing 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
While the £85.4 million acquisition of Antony did exhibit some of the showy movement that has drawn online jeers when used against Arsenal, the slick Brazilian also showed his skill in front of goal to aid the Red Devils in extending their winning streak at the cost of the Gunners.
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Before a dangerous Arsenal finally got their due via Bukayo Saka, Antony tucked home a lovely debut goal. However, the Gunners' defence crumbled as Marcus Rashford scored a second-half brace for the revitalised Red Devils.
Manchester United enter the first game week of the Europa League having won four straight matches in the Premier League, with both Arsenal and Liverpool succumbing to their exceptionalism at Old Trafford. United have now rebounded from their appalling start to competitive games under Erik ten Hag.
Let’s have a look at the potential starting XI that Ten Hag could pick against Real Sociedad on Thursday:
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Martin Dubravka could be given his competitive debut for United despite the recent good performances from David de Gea.
In defence, Diogo Dalot looks set to start yet again instead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka as the Portuguese joined Ten Hag in Wednesday’s press conference.
Despite the recent excellent showings of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, Ten Hag is expected to pick Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof in order to rest the other two central defender ahead of a trip to Crystal Palace.
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This could well be Maguire’s first game in the starting line-up since the 4-0 loss to Brentford in the Premier League, whereas Lindelof will be handed his first start of the current season after returning from injury just last weekend.
At left-back, Tyrell Malacia could be set to be given his fifth start of his United career after impressing in recent games and Luke Shaw not being spotted in training.
In the midfield, Casemiro could be given his first ever start for the Red Devils, alongside Fred as Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay could be rested to avoid burnout, especially considering the former's age.
Bruno Fernandes will likely maintain his starting spot due to Donny Van de Beek not being involved in training.
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Up front, Cristiano Ronaldo will be the focal point in the Red Devils’ attack given the injury to Anthony Martial.
Anthony Elanga could be reintroduced to the starting line-up, while Antony could earn yet another start as he aims to play a full ninety under Ten Hag this season.
Predicted Manchester United XI
Dubravka; Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Malacia; Fred, Casemiro, B.Fernandes; Elanga, Ronaldo, Antony.
Topics: Manchester United, Real Sociedad, Antony, Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Maguire, Casemiro
Aadit Mehta