Ruben Amorim could start Manchester United duo vs Real Sociedad for first time since “valuable” pre-season clash

Ruben Amorim will be scratching his head about the Manchester United team selection to face Real Sociedad in Spain on Thursday night.

Manchester United face a crucial Europa League clash against Real Sociedad this week, with their season on the line.

Sitting 14th in the Premier League and far from European qualification, the Europa League remains their only hope for silverware and a Champions League spot.

The round-of-16 tie begins in Spain on Thursday, with the crucial return leg at Old Trafford coming next week.

Amorim may start Collyer and Casemiro vs Sociedad

Manuel Ugarte has not been named in United’s travelling squad for this game which leaves United will few options in the engine room.

Casemiro is likely to start the game and Bruno Fernandes is his most probable partner, however, Amorim may also decide to move the captain further forward.

Fernandes is the only player who currently looks like scoring in the United team and getting him closer to goal makes sense.

If that was to happen, Amorim could reinstate Toby Collyer to the starting team after the 21-year-old returned to training this week.

Collyer was pushing for a place in the team before his injury setback at the beginning of February and could give United some important energy and athleticism against Sociedad.

Should the Academy graduate start alongside Casemiro in the heart of midfield, it would be the first time the pair had started together since the pre-season tour last summer.

Collyer valued playing alongside Casemiro in pre-season

They started together in several games across that tour, including the final clash against Liverpool, and Collyer saw it is a “valuable” experience to play alongside the experienced Brazilian.

Speaking during the 2024 pre-season tour, Collyer was asked about playing with the ex-Real Madrid star. “It’s so valuable,” the youngster said.

“He’s one of the best ever in that position, it’s great for someone like myself to learn from him.

“Even just to watch him in training and have him next to me, talking to me and always helping me out, as well as the other lads. He’s a real leader in the team.”

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Perhaps Collyer and Casemiro could add some needed steel to the United midfield while allowing Fernandes to create magic further forward.

No matter what, United need to get a result against Sociedad and cannot afford to head back to Old Trafford with a defeat in the first-leg.

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