Who should fans watch out for? Manchester United vs Real Sociedad (Europa League)

Manchester United kick off their Europa League campaign on Thursday night, and the aim will undoubtedly be to win the tournament come May.

In their last two Europa League campaigns, the Red Devils fell victim to a semi final loss and then another defeat in the final. Erik ten Hag will be looking to take his United side all the way this time.

The opponents tonight, Real Sociedad, are a side that Manchester United overcame in their last Europa League campaign on their way to the final. This time, they meet in the groups.

Here, UtdDistrict look at one player to watch from each side:

Manchester United - Casemiro

After having spent years not buying any midfielders, despite being in desperate need of them, the signing of one of the best midfielders in world football brought about a lot of excitement for United fans.

Casemiro has made three substitute appearances for United so far, having shown glimpses of his elite level quality in each of them, and tonight could finally make his long-awaited first start.

Having brought him over from La Liga to England, Erik ten Hag has looked to ease the Brazilian midfielder in as he adjusts to a new league and style. 

La Liga coming to England is a good time to give the player his first start. Casemiro has a strong record against La Real, having won 10 of 14 games against them. United fans will hope this becomes 11 of 15 tonight.

Real Sociedad - Takefusa Kubo

Another former Real Madrid player, Japanese forward Takefusa Kubo is a 21 year old forward with a lot of talent and a wicked left foot.

Highly-rated in Spain, Kubo spent 4 years in Barcelona's famed La Masia academy before being forced to leave due to a breach of FIFA regulations on signing young players by the club.

Returning to Japan to join FC Tokyo, Barcelona tried to sign him back again at 18 but he opted to join their arch-rivals Real Madrid instead.

He never played a single senior minute for Madrid, with their star-studded team being difficult to break into. After a few loans, he joined La Real this summer.

Those in Donostia-San Sebastián were delighted to have him, and he announced himself to fans with a goal on his debut. The winger is a player worth keeping an eye on tonight, and could do United damage if given the chance.