Homegrown players Zidane Iqbal and Alejandro Garnacho could play for Manchester United against Real Sociedad on Thursday.
The MEN have reported that the pair have been a big presence at first-team training this week ahead of the Europa League tie, which could be a sign that they are set to take part in their first action of the season at the level. senior.
Iqbal had a big showing on United’s pre-season tour and clearly impressed manager Erik ten Hag, who decided to keep him at Old Trafford rather than send him out on loan.
If the boss decides to rest the likes of Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek remains injured, a starting central midfield spot could open up for Iqbal, possibly alongside Casemiro and Fred.
Iqbal has not been named in the squad but would be eligible to play as a ‘B List’ player as he has been with the club for two years and is under 21.
Garnacho, who has been on the United bench three times this season, could also start if the likes of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Antony are rested.
The fact that he has been given a lap for the final Under 21 weekend could also be an indication that Ten Hag is trying to get him fit in time for Thursday’s encounter.
However, Anthony Elanga probably has seniority, so the Argentine is more likely to get minutes off the bench.
Another player hoping to get involved is loanee Martin Dubravka, who was also heavily involved in training on Monday, according to The MEN.
It may be that the goalkeeper is used in Cup matches to keep him in shape and also to give David de Gea a break, especially considering some of the long-distance trips ahead of him in the group.
The same strategy used to be used to good effect for reserve goalkeeper Sergio Romero, who won a Europa League champions medal in 2017.
Dean Henderson was also used as a Europa League goalkeeper in 2021 until the final, when manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer controversially replaced him with De Gea, who failed to save a single one of 11 penalties before missing his to hand the crown. Villarreal.
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