Manchester United predicted line-up vs Real Sociedad with midfield switch and very rare start

Manchester United will be targeting a return to winning ways when they face Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie at the Reale Arena on Thursday evening.

United bowed out of the FA Cup on Sunday, losing to Fulham on penalties at Old Trafford, meaning the Europa League is their last remaining hope of winning silverware this season. United progressed to the first knockout stage of the competition with five wins and three draws in the league phase.

United finished the new-look league phase third in the standings, ensuring they automatically qualified for the last-16. Sociedad progressed via the play-off round with a 7-3 aggregate victory over Danish side FC Midtjylland.

Ahead of the clash in San Sebastian, United have named a 18-man travelling squad, confirming they will be without both Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte through injury.

With Altay Bayindir still missing through injury, Andre Onana is expected to secure his first start in the Europa League since the 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen. Bayindir started the Reds' last two league phase matches.

Ahead of the Cameroonian, Matthijs de Ligt, who addressed the media at Wednesday evening's pre-match press conference, is likely to start and could be joined in the backline by Leny Yoro and Victor Lindelof. The latter last started a game for United on December 19.

Ugarte's absence means Casemiro is highly likely to take his place in midfield and provide United with the defensive nous they will require in the engine room. He has started just one of United's last four European matches.

Bruno Fernandes has stepped up his performance levels in recent weeks and has been more effective in one of the two No.8 positions, meaning it is likely he will start