Man United boss Ten Hag set to make wholesale changes for Europa League tie

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is set to make a number of changes to his squad for their Europa League group stage opener against Real Sociedad on Thursday, reports say. 

United begin their campaign in Europe’s secondary club competition by hosting the Spanish side, who have started the La Liga season strongly and currently sit ninth in the table.

According to The Mirror, the Dutchman is keen to give the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Rapheal Varane and Tyrell Malacia – who have all started each of United’s last four matches – a rest.

Harry Maguire is set to make a return to United’s starting line up, having been dropped following their 4-0 defeat at the hands of Brentford last month; the England international made his first appearance since the loss to Brentford when he was substituted on with ten minutes remaining during United’s 3-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday.

Maguire is set to start United’s game against Real Sociedad on Thursday

It is also claimed that Ten Hag will choose to reinstate Cristiano Ronaldo to United’s starting line up, with the Portuguese forward having also started all four games on the bench since United’s humiliation at Brentford last month.

The 37-year-old has been involved in all six games so far this season, but he will reportedly make just his second start of the season when Sociedad visit Old Trafford on Thursday.

The report suggests, though, that Antony is likely to keep his place in Ten Hag’s side following his debut goal against Arsenal, with the Brazilian having played very little football of late after allegedly going ‘on strike’ at former club Ajax in an effort to force through a move to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have now won four straight games and find themselves fifth in the Premier League table, a far cry from the second week of the season when United sat bottom following defeats to both Brighton and The Bees.

United’s next Premier League match will be at Selhurst Park on Sunday as they travel to face Crystal Palace, with the potential for Ten Hag’s side to move up to second place if other results were to favour them.

The Red Devils’ game against Sociedad on Thursday kicks off at 8pm.