Ten Hag: I’m ready for a Real challenge

FOR Manchester United, the stakes in San Sebastian this evening 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. Considering that includes Barcelona, Ajax and Juventus, the price of that failure could be high indeed.

‘ It’s clear,’ said Ten Hag at the Reale Arena last night. ‘It’s important we win. We know what we have to do. 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. 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, Real’s 39,000-seat stadium could be full for the first time since it was expanded in 2019. Fortunately for Ten Hag, he can call on two players with rather impressive track records against Sociedad during their time in Spain with Real Madrid.

In nine La Liga games against the Basque club, Cristiano Ronaldo won all nine and scored 15 goals. ‘He’s a really important part of this group and a real threat to every defence,’ said Ten Hag.

Casemiro, a serial winner alongside Ronaldo at the Bernabeu, isn’t used to losing here either. ‘Real Sociedad never play to defend, they go out there to play football,’ said the Brazilian last night.

‘But no matter what Sociedad do, the important thing is how we play. That is the key. We are growing, becoming a very solid team.’

United arrived in Spain yesterday without Antony, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial. Victor Lindelof is back after illness so Ten Hag must decide whether to keep Harry Maguire in central defence.

When United faced Sociedad away in this competition last year, the match was played behind closed doors in Turin due to Covid restrictions and a 4-0 first-leg win under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer all but clinched a place in the last 16.

The reward on offer in San Sebastian tonight is the same, but it promises to be a very different occasion.