Full strength? The inconsiderate postponement of two of United's domestic fixtures this month means they will go 28 days without playing in the Premier League come the Manchester derby on October 2.
Defeat to Real Sociedad last week should, eventually, be rendered inconsequential and United might as well play their strongest-possible team in their only fixture during a 24-day period to get three points on the board. Ronaldo reprieved? Had United walked out at Selhurst Park last week Cristiano Ronaldo would have almost certainly taken his seat on the substitutes' bench.
After a couple of encouraging cameos, Ronaldo was rusty as a starter against Sociedad and flagged offside more often than Filippo Inzaghi. Also read: How Varane became United's most important player The absence of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial likely means Ronaldo continues up front, his last chance to get a first club goal of the season before October.
The last time he did not score at club level in August and September he was 19 and into his second season at United in 2004. Response to Sociedad? Perhaps the result of tonight's match will not be as telling as Erik ten Hag's selections.