Only three Manchester United players who started 4-0 win against Real Sociedad 20 months ago likely to start on Thursday

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Erik ten Hag‘s Manchester United travel to San Sebastian on Thursday with the sole mission of leapfrogging Real Sociedad at the top of Europa League Group E.

Having lost our 2022-23 European opener 1-0 to the La Liga side at Old Trafford back in September, the Red Devils have won our last four group games and have assured qualification to the knockout stages.

But with La Real maintaining their 100 percent record throughout the group, Ten Hag’s men need to win by multiple goals at the Reale Seguros Stadium to top the group and qualify for the last-16.

If the twenty-time league champions finish second, then we will face a third-place Champions League side in a play-off.

Manchester United battered Sociedad, who were managed by current boss Imanol Alguacil at the time, in the Europa League round of 32 first leg, which was played at Juventus’ Allianz Stadium in February 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions preventing the Red Devils travelling to Spain.

Ten Hag will be hoping his side can replicate the 4-0 win that the Reds produced under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer come Thursday.

Only three Manchester United players who started 4-0 win against Real Sociedad 20 months ago likely to start on Thursday

United put the tie beyond doubt with a ruthless first leg performance in Italy.

United’s starting XI that day was: Henderson, Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Telles, Fred, McTominay, Fernandes, Greenwood, James and Rashford.

Bruno Fernandes scored a double that night and with our number eight ruled out of Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa having picked up his fifth Premier League yellow card of the season against West Ham, the former Sporting Lisbon captain will likely start in San Sebastian.

Marcus Rashford scored United’s third and Daniel James scored late fourth.

Aside from Fernandes, Rashford and captain Harry Maguire, it’s hard to see the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Scott McTominay and Fred being in Ten Hag’s XI come 4.30pm on Thursday when the teams are announced ahead of the 5.45pm kick off.

Diogo Dalot, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are likely to start ahead of the aforementioned trio.

Dean Henderson, Alex Telles and Eric Bailly are all currently out on loan and Daniel James, who has since moved to Fulham on loan, joined Leeds United last August.

Last month, Mason Greenwood was released on bail after being charged with attempted rape.

The 21-year-old was also charged with assault and repeatedly engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.