The good vibes to keep going at Old Trafford
Manchester United will begin their 2022/2023 UEFA Europa League campaign against Real Sociedad on Thursday night at Old Trafford in buoyant mood. The Red Devils have won four in a row domestically, even without Cristiano Ronaldo up top. The resurgence of players like Marcus Rashford coupled with fresh faces such as Antony has seen a recent revival in fortunes, whilst the visitors are in a decidedly mixed place in terms of their own form. Read our preview here:
Ant on deck
In a high profile debut, Antony got off to the perfect start in England with a goal against table-toppers Arsenal. His presence in the XI offers pace and a different kind of trickery to the existing squad before his eye-watering transfer from Ajax. Ronaldo is set for a return this evening, and will be flanked on the left by Anthony Elanga, bolstering the opportunities to counter at speed. Casemiro is in line to make his first start, as might loanee goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka.
Silva surfer
One very familiar figure in the Los Txuri-Urdin lineup to the home supporters will be David Silva. The former Manchester City creator-in-chief is now 36, but still plays a key role in attacking midfield for Imanol Alguacil's charges, particularly without the injured Mikel Oyarzabal. Another goalscorer on his first appearance for one of the two clubs is Umar Sadiq. The Nigerian striker has continued the output he showed for Segunda División champions Almería last term to his new employers, and he will form one half of a dynamic partnership with former Angers SCO wonderkid Mohamed-Ali Cho.
Betting tip
betway have odds of 2.75 for Erik ten Hag's confident outfit to score in both halves.
