sport news The stakes for in San Sebastian could not be simpler trends now

sport news The stakes for in San Sebastian could not be simpler trends now
sport news The stakes for Manchester United in San Sebastian could not be simpler trends now

sport news The stakes for Manchester United in San Sebastian could not be simpler trends now

For Manchester United, the stakes in San Sebastian on Thursday really are very simple.

Beat Real Sociedad by two goals or more and Erik ten Hag's side will sail straight into the last 16 of the Europa League.

Failure to do so would consign United to second place in Group E and pitch them into a play-off round with the eight drop-outs from the Champions League.

Manchester United arrive in Spain knowing their task and what they need to do to avoid the play-off round

Manchester United arrive in Spain knowing their task and what they need to do to avoid the play-off round

Considering that includes Barcelona, Ajax, Bayer Leverkusen, Sporting Lisbon and Juventus, the price of that failure could be high indeed.

'It's clear,' said Ten Hag at the Reale Arena on Wednesday. 'Obviously it's important we win. We know what we have to do: two goals difference.

'But we like these challenges. If you want to win a trophy, you have to beat everyone.

'It's difficult to win games here, but we have a plan for that and we will do everything to get it done.' This is a scenario that has been in the making since United lost their group opener to Sociedad at Old Trafford on the night the Queen passed away in September.

Erik ten Hag himself said it was 'clear' what they needed to do in the picturesque San Sebastian

Erik ten Hag himself said it was 'clear' what they needed to do in the picturesque San Sebastian

Sociedad have gone on to win all five of their group games so far, conceding just one goal.

Such is the excitement in this picturesque city on the northern coast of Spain that Real's 39,000-seater stadium could be full to capacity for the first time since it was built 29 years ago.

Fortunately for Ten Hag, the Dutchman can call on two players with a rather impressive track record against Sociedad during their time in Spain with Real Madrid.

In nine La Liga games

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