Manchester United have discovered their group for the 2022/23 edition of the Europa League and the initial verdict is that there is a lot of room for slip-ups. Long journeys and potentially tricky matchups against Onomia Nicosia and Sheriff Tiraspol aside, they also will have a difficult clash with Real Sociedad to contend with.
United played Sociedad in the Europa League during the 2020/21 season and over two legs they came out 4-0 victors thanks to a brace from Bruno Fernandes and goals from Marcus Rashford and Daniel James. And while this sets a good benchmark for the upcoming fixtures there is the issue that the team has changed significantly since then.
The team on the day United won 4-0 (they drew the other leg 0-0) was: Dean Henderson, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Alex Telles, Fred, Scott McTominay, Daniel James, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.
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Compare that with the team that started against Liverpool last Monday and only three players started the game, with Rashford getting on the scoresheet. Fred would come on as a substitute after halftime.
The two centre-backs are still at the club, as is Wan-Bissaka, though the fullback could leave Old Trafford before the end of the window. Henderson has unfortunately gone out on loan and while David de Gea was considered the senior option even then, he has struggled in the opening game.
The additions United have made since this fixture however, improve the team significantly. Diogo Dalot has now become a first-team regular and is better in possession, while four-time Champions League winner Raphael Varane and centre-back Lisandro Martinez round out some great defensive options.
Tyrell Malacia has also been signed and he would rotate with Luke Shaw during this competition. Two of the biggest upgrades however is in midfield and on the right wing.
Casemiro has been signed in a deal that could reach £70m this summer and he will add solidity to the midfield, while United now have Jadon Sancho on the right wing to add some much-needed creativity. Overall, United should not struggle in this fixture, but there are no guarantees in football.
Ten Hag's wins against Liverpool and Southampton could be the turning point, but one swallow does not make a summer. They need to keep this form up if they want to compete for silverware this season.
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