Will Ronaldo shine? Fans have their say

Wednesday 07 September 2022 16:03

The majority of United Predictions players are backing Cristiano Ronaldo to shine in Thursday’s Europa League match against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag was tight lipped when asked about team selection in his press conference, yet there is a feeling the manager could make a handful of changes for the start of our group-stage campaign. 

The Dutchman started the same line-up for our wins over Liverpool, Southampton and Leicester City, before replacing Anthony Elanga with new signing Antony for the victory against Arsenal in M16. 

Without doubt, the Reds are feeling confident and developing stronger relationships from match to match, including those players who have stepped off the bench to consolidate our four straight wins.

Ten Hag’s approach to the Europa League test against Real Sociedad will be revealed when the line-ups are officially announced around 75 minutes before kick-off on Thursday.

In the meantime, we’re all second guessing and the early data from our United Predictions provides an indication of fans’ thoughts…

FIRST SCORER

Almost half of United Predictions players are backing Ronaldo to score first against a club he knows all too well from his decorated spell at Real Madrid. 

Cristiano is yet to net this season and has been a substitute in our last four games, but you can never write the great man off and everybody knows he loves the European stage beneath the floodlights. 

CR7 almost single-handedly dragged us through the Champions League group stage last season and, while he has never previously appeared in the Europa League, he will no doubt want to dominate proceedings, if he starts. 

Here’s what fans are predicting…

48% = Cristiano Ronaldo
16% = Marcus Rashford
16% = Antony
9% = Jadon Sancho
5% = Bruno Fernandes
CORRECT SCORE

After four straight Premier League wins, United are building confidence and, in his press conference, Ten Hag spoke about his determination to extend the run. Historically, we have an excellent record in the Europa League and have not lost at Old Trafford since March 2012 against Athletic Club. 

The Reds faced Real Sociedad in this competition two seasons ago and won 4-0 in the ‘away’ leg, which was actually played in Italy due to the pandemic, before drawing 0-0 at the Theatre of Dreams.

Judging by the early United Predictions data, supporters are feeling confident about Thursday…

33% = United 2 Real Sociedad 0
23% = United 3 Real Sociedad 0
13% = United 3 Real Sociedad 1
13% = United 2 Real Sociedad 1
5% = United 4 Real Sociedad 0
Ten Hag on team news and selection Video

Ten Hag on team news and selection

The manager began the press conference by discussing Anthony Martial, Eric Bailly's comments and his selection plans...

MAN OF THE MATCH

Lisandro Martinez won this award after our wins over Liverpool and Southampton, before Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford triumphed following the victories against Leicester and Arsenal. 

Who are you backing on matchday one of the Europa League? Like the first-scorer rankings, Ronaldo is a heavy favourite and his former Real Madrid team-mate Casemiro is notably in third, suggesting fans expect him to start for the first time.

26% = Cristiano Ronaldo
14% = Antony
12% = Casemiro
12% = Bruno Fernandes
9% = Christian Eriksen

Remember to make your United Predictions for the chance to win a signed shirt.

Get ready for kick-off: