Man Utd predicted lineup vs Real Sociedad - Europa League | OneFootball

Manchester United need Europa League glory to salvage pride at the end of a miserable campaign.

The defence of their FA Cup crown was extinguished on Sunday afternoon as Fulham visited Old Trafford and triumphed on penalties, leaving European silverware as the final chance for redemption amid a growing bonfire.

Real Sociedad stand in United's path after the two sides were drawn against one another in the last 16 of the competition, with the Basque outfit hosting the first leg on Thursday.

Imanol Alguacil and his players will have few qualms taking on this iteration of the once dominant force of English football, with the Red Devils in decidedly dismal form. Amorim will be praying his side can change the narrative in San Sebastian.

Here is how United could line up for a crucial European encounter.

Man Utd predicted lineup vs Real Sociedad (3-4-2-1)

Bruno Fernandes has proven Man Utd's saviour in recent weeks / Carl Recine/GettyImages

GK: Andre Onana - Onana was unable to prove United's saviour in the weekend's penalty shootout but did make several impressive saves to ensure his side took the game to spot kicks.

CB: Leny Yoro - The teenager has endured a difficult transition since arriving in England, with a serious injury followed by some sub-par displays in an under-pressure side.

CB: Matthijs de Ligt - De Ligt was one of the stronger performers in defeat at the weekend, building on his scrappy goal against Ipswich Town. With Harry Maguire missing, the Dutch defender could move into the centre of the defensive trio.

CB: Noussair Mazraoui - Versatility has proven Mazraoui's greatest asset since making the move to Old Trafford and he could plug the gap left by Maguire's injury on Thursday.

RM: Diogo Dalot - Dalot's performances have been far from convincing since Amorim's arrival but a distinct lack of alternatives ensures the Portuguese a starting berth in San Sebastian.

CM: Casemiro - Manuel Ugarte is another who has added his name to an extensive injury list that already contains fellow midfielders Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount. Casemiro should cover the Uruguayan in the engine room.

CM: Bruno Fernandes - Where would United be without their skipper and sole creative force? The 30-year-old will be asked to conjure up more magic against La Real, who often prove a stubborn and well-organised outfit.

LM: Patrick Dorgu - Having missed the Fulham match through suspension, Dorgu is available in the Europa League and will return to the left flank. He will want to put that horror show against Ipswich behind him but will be put to the test by the returning Takefusa Kubo.

RF: Joshua Zirkzee - Missed the crucial penalty in the shootout on Sunday and continues to frustrate in an abject front three. He lost 25 duels against Fulham - 15 more than any other player on the pitch.

ST: Rasmus Hojlund - Another striker down on his luck, Hojlund's goal drought was extended to 18 matches following another blank last weekend. He saves his best performances for Europe, though.

LF: Alejandro Garnacho - Garnacho often provides the spark that United lack in the final third but the youngster must improve his output and consistency. He hasn't found the net in a staggering 21 matches.