Confirmed United XI vs Real Sociedad: Heaven, Dorgu, Hojlund start in crucial cup tie

Ruben Amorim has fielded an attacking line-up for tonight’s crucial Europa League Round of 16 second leg against Real Sociedad.

It’s a must-win game for United if they are to retain any hope of a trophy, qualifying for Europe and keeping their season alive.

The head coach has made some surprising choices.

Andre Onana is in goal.

The back three are Noussair Mazraoui, Ayden Heaven and Matthijs de Ligt.

Heaven’s selection ahead of veteran Victor Lindelof is a brave one by Amorim, but the youngster impressed against Arsenal when replacing Leny Yoro.

Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu are the wing backs.

Casemiro returns in central midfield alongside Bruno Fernandes. Manuel Ugarte is fit but must settle for a place on the bench.

Up front, Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund are tasked with breaking down the Basque defence.

The substitutes are: Elyh Harrison, Ben Mee, Harry Amass, Tyler Fredricson, Lindelof, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Jack Fletcher, Ugarte and James Scanlon.

Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad are all injured.

Mason Mount is back in training but not match fit.

Chido Obi is ineligible having not been registered for the competition by United.

Kick-off at Old Trafford is at 8pm.

Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images


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Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.

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