Man Utd predicted XI against Real Sociedad: ‘Brilliant’ teenager set for debut | OneFootball

Manchester United youngster Ayden Heaven could be in line to make his full debut for the club on Thursday night.

After earning a 1-1 draw at the San Sebastian last week, the Red Devils will host Real Sociedad for the second and decisive leg of the Europa League Round of 16 on Thursday night. Since this competition represents the solitary route for the club towards the Champions League next season, this might just be the most crucial fixture for the club thus far this season.

But despite the significance of the tie, Ruben Amorim could decide to turn to the inexperienced Heaven. According to The Standard, the 18-year-old is expected to make his first starting appearance for the club.

This is more or less a mandatory choice on the manager’s part amidst the ongoing injury crisis at the back. Harry Maguire, Johny Evans and Lisandro Martinez are all out, while Leny Yoro suffered a knock against Arsenal on Sunday, which prompted the entrance of Heaven who earned major plaudits for his confident display, with Alan Shearer lauding what he described as a ‘brilliant’ cameo.

Ayden Heaven could make his first start for Man Utd against Sociedad

(Photo via Fabrizio Romano on X/Twitter)

The youngster is thus expected to start at the back alongside Matthijs de Ligt and Victor Lindelof, while Andre Onana maintains his spot between the sticks in absence of his understudy Altay Bayindir.

In the middle of the park, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro will link up once more after delivering a convincing display against Arsenal on the weekend. Meanwhile Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu are the favourites to land spots on the wings.

Christian Eriksen has been an awkward fit in the final third, but he could maintain his role amidst the lack of alternatives, starting alongside Alejandro Garnacho while Joshua Zirkzee leads the line.

Man Utd predicted XI: Onana; De Ligt, Lindelof, Heaven; Dalot, Fernandes, Casemiro; Dorgu; Eriksen, Garnacho; Zirkzee.