Yuvraj Singh
Anthony Martial, Antony and Jadon Sancho are out of the confirmed 23-man Manchester United squad that faces Real Sociedad
Manchester United travel to Spain to face Real Sociedad in their final UEFA Europa group stage game with a lot on the line. This is in spite of the fact that both teams have qualified for the next round.
Currently, Sociedad are top of the table with 15 points from five games while United are second with 12 points. The advantage of being top of the group is that the team moves directly to the Round of 32 whereas the runner-up will enter a playoff round and would face one of the eight exits from the UEFA Champions League.
Hence, the game is considerably important if we want smoother progress to the final stages. A favourable draw combined with lesser games to play in a hectic season would be welcome indeed.
Erik ten Hag would be aware of the importance of the game and many expect him to field his strongest eleven against the Spanish opposition.
However, as per Manchester Evening News, forwards Anthony Martial, Antony and Jadon Sancho have stayed back in Manchester and have not travelled with the squad. Here is the full 23-man squad that has travelled to Spain.
Goalkeepers: David De Gea, Martin Dubravka, Radek Vitek.
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lautaro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia.
Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen, Fred, Casemiro, Donny Van de Beek, Scot McTominay, Zidane Iqbal.
Attackers: Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Elanga, Shola Shoretire, Alejandro Garnacho, Facundo Pellistri.
The players who have been regularly playing are present. Injuries to Anthony Martial, Antony and Jadon Sancho being ill could provide the perfect opportunity for teenager Alejandro Garnacho to get a second successive start in the UEL.
The young Argentine was full of energy and class on his start against FC Sheriff last week. The only thing missing was a goal or assist to cap off a wonderful performance.
Anthony Elanga was preferred over him for the Premier League clash against West Ham United at the weekend. It could perhaps be a case of Erik ten Hag keeping him fresh for the clash tonight.
A headache that could potentially arise for Ten Hag would be to use which personnel on the right as Marcus Rashford was at his best again playing from the left against West Ham.
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Ten Hags’ first eleven would definitely be something to look forward with the Dutchman devoid of many attacking options. In a crucial match, he has to get his tactics right as anything other than a win with a two-goal or more margin would not be enough for us to top the group.
