ANTONY, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial are all OUT of Manchester United’s crunch Europa League trip to Real Sociedad.
The Red Devils are three points off table-toppers Sociedad and due to placings coming down to head-to-head records they must win by TWO goals to top the group.
The Spanish side won 1-0 when the sides met earlier this season and have a superior goal difference to the Red Devils.
If Erik ten Hag’s men fail to beat Sociedad by two goals they will finish second and face a preliminary knockout round that could see them pitted against one of Europe’s big boys dropping from the Champions League.
The teams dropping down include Ajax, Barcelona, Juventus, Leverkusen, Salzburg, Sevilla, Shakhtar and Sporting CP.
And so Ten Hag could opt for a strong side to try and snatch top spot in the group and skip playing two additional games in the New Year.
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
However, Antony, Sancho and Martial didn’t travel to Spain, limiting the Dutchman’s selection in the wide areas.
Brazilian trickster Antony was absent for the 1-0 over West Ham through injury, as was Martial, while Sancho is ill.
David de Gea’s heroics against the Hammers on Sunday will see him keep his spot.
He’ll be protected by a back four of Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen will make up the midfield three.
Fernandes will start as he’s suspended for United’s next game against Aston Villa.
Teenager Alejandro Garnacho impressed on his start against Sheriff and could man the left flank.
And Ten Hag could call on Cristiano Ronaldo to lead the line.
Alternatively, Fred could come into the midfield to hand Eriksen a rest.
Summer signing Tyrell Malacia may be handed a rare chance to start in order to give Shaw a rest.
Shaw would’ve seen England team-mate and left-back competition, Ben Chilwell, have to be helped off yesterday and may not want to overwork himself ahead of the World Cup.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
