By Betsefy
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is reportedly preparing to recall Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire to his starting side for Thursday’s Europa League opener with Real Sociedad.
The senior duo have not been in the starting XI for the Red Devils since the 4-0 loss at Brentford on August 13.
Marcus Rashford has thrived as the central striker in recent matches, forcing Ronaldo to accept a spot on the bench, while Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have been in strong form in the middle of the defence, with Maguire currently the club’s third-choice centre-back.
However, according to The Mirror, Ten Hag is preparing to shuffle his pack for the European contest with Real Sociedad, and there are set to be recalls for Ronaldo and Maguire.
The report claims that Victor Lindelof, who is yet to play this season, could be Maguire’s partner in the middle of the home side’s defence.
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Meanwhile, Luke Shaw is also expected to feature at left-back, with the Englishman recently losing his starting role in the Premier League to Tyrell Malacia.
Man United are back in Premier League action against Crystal Palace on Sunday, and Ten Hag is said to be keen to rest the likes of Martinez, Varane and Malacia.
A much-changed side could also include Fred, Anthony Elanga and Casemiro, with the latter yet to start for the Red Devils since his arrival from Real Madrid over the summer.
Antony is also expected to be in the XI for the second game in a row, having been handed a start against Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, scoring a debut goal in the 3-1 victory.
There could also be a change between the sticks, with new signing Martin Dubravka and Tom Heaton battling to replace number one David de Gea for the clash with the La Liga outfit.
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Man United made a disastrous start to the 2022-23 Premier League campaign, losing their opening two matches to Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford, which left them bottom of the table.
The Red Devils have now been victorious in their last four, though, beating Liverpool, Southampton, Leicester City and Arsenal to rise into fifth position.
Due to the season breaking in November for the 2022 World Cup, Man United have a crowded fixture list over the next couple of months, including league games against Crystal Palace and Leeds United before the September international break.
The 20-time English champions will also play again in the Europa League next Thursday, facing a trip to Moldova to take on Sheriff Tiraspol in their second Group E fixture.
