Predicted Manchester United line-up to face Real Sociedad in Europa League

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Manchester United is set for a season-defining clash at Old Trafford on Thursday night, but the team is far from full strength.

Real Sociedad will arrive at the Theatre of Dreams knowing that Thursday’s Europa League round of 16 tie could really go either way.

Despite dominating proceedings, Manchester United only took a 1-1 draw away from San Sebastian last week which has placed huge stakes on the return leg.

However, recent weeks have seen Ruben Amorim’s side improving slowly but surely, although injuries remain an issue for this clash.

United will be without Leny Yoro, while Harry Maguire will not be fit to return here, nor will Mason Mount despite his return to training on Thursday.

Despite this, Amorim will be confident he has the players to progress into the quarter-finals likely facing Lyon.

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Man Utd’s head coach – Ruben Amorim

Manchester United XI vs Real Sociedad

Struggles domestically have been a tough storm to weather for United, although things seem to be turning a corner.

However, in Europe, things are vastly different, with United the only team in the Europa League or Champions League to remain unbeaten.

This will be a source of strength and belief for United heading into the clash, but United will be aware improvements must be made in order to beat some of the other big clubs in the tournament.

The road to Bilbao continues on Thursday and here is how United could line up.

Andre Onana – Goalkeeper

In goal, there remains no sign of Altay Bayindir, so Onana will continue as he aims to build on two strong performances in a row.

Noussair Mazraoui – Right centre-back

With Yoro injured, Mazraoui will be back as a centre-back against Sociedad where he often impresses. Amorim has raved about Mazraoui and labelled him the future of the club.

Matthijs de Ligt – Central centre-back

After De Ligt was flawless against Sociedad last week, he will be in line to start once more in the return leg. The absence of Maguire means De Ligt is pivotal.

Ayden Heaven – Left centre-back

With injuries in the backline, a first United start could be in order for Heaven. Having been brought on at half-time against Arsenal, Heaven was brilliant and has surely played himself into Amorim’s plans.

Diogo Dalot – Right wing-back

On the right, Dalot had his redemption against Arsenal after he left fans fuming with his performance last week. It is pretty certain he starts against Sociedad.

Manuel Ugarte – Central-midfield

After Casemiro started back-to-back games and impressed, chances of a third are slim given his age and the returning Ugarte. So we would predict the Uruguayan will start the second leg.

Bruno Fernandes – Central-midfield

Partnering Ugarte should be Fernandes with the club captain proving himself invaluable once again with his strike against Arsenal. 12 goals and 14 assists this season, where would United be without Fernandes?

• READ MORE: Who is Bruno Fernandes? Inside the life of Manchester United’s Portuguese Magnifico

Patrick Dorgu – Left wing-back

With his domestic suspension still ongoing, Dorgu is an obvious starter for United and he will be hoping for another strong performance, continuing his hot start ahead of a Danish national team call-up next week.

Alejandro Garnacho – Attacking midfielder

Moving into the number 10 positions, they pick themselves right now, with Garnacho a shoo-in for Amorim considering injuries. Garnacho was very impressive for United against Arsenal and could be key against Sociedad.

Joshua Zirkzee – Attacking midfielder

Partnering Garnacho behind the striker should be Zirkzee, who will hope to grab another Europa League goal against Sociedad. Spanish press were wowed by Zirkzee, and he could do it again.

Rasmus Hojlund – Striker

With Chido Obi ineligible, Hojlund will start and have the chance to end his 20-game wait for a goal. If he struggles, perhaps Obi could start at the weekend against Leicester City.