Manchester United could unleash new starting XI vs Real Sociedad with 11 changes

The prospect of another season in the Europa League was so unappetising that Cristiano Ronaldo asked to leave Manchester United this summer, but on Thursday night he'll likely lead the line for their opening fixture in the competition.

There can be no ignoring the fact that playing in the second-string continental club competition is a hard sell and no elite club would ever relish the opportunity, even if the end reward is very appealing.

United's last trophy lift came in the Europa League in 2017 and they are not in a position to turn their noses up at an opportunity to win silverware in any competition.

READ MORE: Casemiro could unlock three players vs Sociedad

The other carrot on the end of the stick is what a victory brings with it: Champions League football. United might be in fine form at the moment, but results can dip, and a top-four finish is by no means certain even after wins against Liverpool and Arsenal.

What is strange about the group stage, though, is that it doesn't feel like it really matters. Sure, if United lose to Real Sociedad on Thursday night, there will be a small outcry of anger, but there will be plenty of winnable matches against much more favourable opposition to put things right eventually.

This odd dynamic makes motivation a rather tricky task, but Erik ten Hag should be able to navigate this hurdle by utilising his squad depth, something that should be shown off later this week.

United's outright failure to shift unwanted players this summer has at least left them with a real abundance of options to choose from, and there is a very realistic chance Ronaldo and Casemiro will be in the spine of the side that starts on Thursday night. It could quite easily be a full international selection in