Real Sociedad moment highlighted Manchester United's biggest January transfer window need

Following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II at 6:30pm on Thursday evening, Manchester United, out of respect, chose not to release the team news on their social media for their Europa League clash with Real Sociedad until 45 minutes later.

When it was eventually shared on the club's Twitter account, it had a much more familiar look to it than many of us had anticipated. Despite making six changes to the side that toppled Arsenal just four days earlier, Erik ten Hag chose a starting line-up that featured names who had each played a key role in the club's recent upturn in fortunes.

David de Gea, Diogo Dalot, Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Antony all clung onto their places, with the likes of Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Scott McTominay among those forced to make way. Eriksen's inclusion was somewhat surprising, as it was felt that Ten Hag would take the opportunity to hand the Dane a well-earned breather after his performance against Arsenal.

READ MORE: Premier League postpones weekend fixtures after Queen Elizabeth II dies

Eriksen, however, was United's shining light again, producing an excellent performance before being taken off at half-time. After that particular juncture, the Reds' chances dried up and they did not have the same zip and energy about them.

The former Brentford man was not the only player withdrawn at the interval, however, as Dalot also made way, in what was likely to have been a pre-planned exercise. The Portuguese international's half-time exit, unlike Eriksen's, did not see a like-for-like replacement step off the bench.

Dalot's exit at the pause meant a rejig to United's back-four with Martinez stepping off the bench to replace him. It meant Victor Lindelof was