The curtain comes down on Manchester United’s Europa League group stage campaign with a trip to Real Sociedad on Thursday.

Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils need to win by two goals to avoid having to play won of the eight teams who will drop down from the UEFA Champions League – a result of their 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad at Old Trafford in early September.

United are expected to field a strong side in a bid to get the job done, and their could be another start handed to Cristiano Ronaldo after he returned to the side during the win over West Ham on Sunday.

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GK: David de Gea – Fresh off of making two blinding saves against West Ham, De Gea’s confidence should be sky high despite missing out on Spain’s 55-player preliminary World Cup squad.

RB: Diogo Dalot – Probably should have been named player of the match for West Ham, after a stellar defensive display. Dalot has quickly established himself as one of United’s most important players.

RCB: Harry Maguire – Another important start awaits for Maguire as he continues to build momentum for England’s World Cup campaign.

LCB: Lisandro Martinez – The Argentine is going from strength to strength at United, silencing the doubters who said he’s too small to play at centre-back.

LB: Luke Shaw – A player whose form yo-yos more than Nemesis at Alton Towers, Shaw is enjoying an upwards curve at just the right time.

DM: Casemiro – It hasn’t taken long for the Brazilian to show his class at the base of United’s midfield. The glue that holds everything together.

CM: Christian Eriksen – Provided a sumptuous assist for Marcus Rashford’s goal on Sunday to remind us all of his playmaking brilliance.

CM: Bruno Fernandes – Has plenty more to offer Ten Hag but is showing signs of improvement.

RW: Anthony Elanga – Antony and Jadon Sancho missed training on Wednesday morning, which could hand Elanga another opportunity to impress from the start.

ST: Cristiano Ronaldo – Returned to the side against West Ham on Sunday and, well, did alright. Will relish the big occasion here and having the chance to push United through as group winners.

LW: Marcus Rashford – Is coming back into form at just the right time. Gareth Southgate, are you watching?

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