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Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has an even thinner squad than ever going into this evening’s big match against Real Sociedad in San Sebastian.
United’s whole season depends on this tie, as defeat will leave them with nothing to play for other than avoiding relegation.
By contrast, getting into the quarter finals would bring in extra revenue and obviously bring the Red Devils one step closer to winning the whole competition, which would guarantee them Champions League football in 2025/26 and thus a much bigger transfer budget this summer.
Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte have not travelled with the squad having picked up knocks and Chido Obi is ineligible because he was not registered to play in the tournament and does not qualify to be on United’s “B” list.
On the plus side, Patrick Dorgu can play as his three match ban only applies to domestic competition.
Another plus is the return of Toby Collyer after injury.
Only 18 players have travelled to Spain so once again, Amorim will not have a full complement of substitutes. Three of the 18 are goalkeepers.
Defence
In the continuing absence of Altay Bayindir, Andre Onana will start in goal.
The back three will probably be Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, although Victor Lindelof and Ayden Heaven, who looked impressive in his debut at the weekend, are also options.
Dorgu will play left wing back and Diogo Dalot right.
Midfield and Attack
With Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount injured, Bruno Fernandes will probably continue in midfield. We think he might partner Casemiro, whose experience against Spanish teams might tip the balance in his favour.
Collyer and Christian Eriksen are the only other options.
Up front, it simply has to be Rasmus Hojlund, Josh Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho as there are no other options in the squad.
The bench will therefore probably comprise the two backup keepers, Dermot Mee and Elyh Harrison, Lindelof, Heaven, Harry Amass, Eriksen and Collyer.
Here then is our predicted XI for this evening’s 5.45pm kick-off:
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