Asked which upcoming game is most important, Erik ten Hag said without hesitating: “The next one.”
That means Ten Hag will field a strong side for Thursday’s Europa League clash with Omonia Nicosia at Old Trafford.
He is aware only the group winners will automatically progress to the last 16 in March and that the runners-up must play-off against a third-placed side from the Champions League.
Ten Hag does not want to face that extra hurdle in February and has told his players they must try and catch leaders Real Sociedad, who are top of the group with a 100 per cent record.
He is expected to field several of his big hitters against Omonia, including David De Gea, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, Anthony and Bruno Fernandes.
Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the line in the No 9 role, as he has done in United’s three previous Europa League matches.
Despite his love of the Champions League, Ronaldo will get most of his starts before the World Cup in the Europa League.
Playing Ronaldo would also allow Ten Hag to rest his No 1 striker Marcus Rashford for the upcoming Premier League games against Newcastle and Tottenham.
Ten Hag is also without Anthony Martial who suffered a hip injury at Everton on Sunday, which strengthens Ronaldo’s starting chances.
Victor Lindelof was put up at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference and the Swede is expected to make his third start in the competition alongside Martinez.
Ten Hag was asked if Eriksen needed a breather and the Danish playmaker has started every game for United so far this season.
The Dutchman replied he must manage every one of his players and seems set to continue with Eriksen against Omonia.
Casemiro may be kept back for Newcastle and Tottenham and the Brazil midfielder made an impressive full Premier League debut at Everton.
That means Scott McTominay may get the nod and he started on the bench at Goodison Park.
Antony has started all six games since his arrival from Ajax, netting three times, and he could continue against Omonia.
In addition to Martial, United were missing Aaron Wan Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Donny van de Beek at training on Wednesday.
Martial could be available for Newcastle on Sunday and when asked on Wednesday if the French striker would train, Ten Hag said: “Not today. We’ll see how it develops for Sunday.
Ten Hag then listed his injury list, saying: “Harry is out. And longer term Donny van de Beek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.”
Manchester United predicted XI: De Gea; Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Shaw; McTominay, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo.
