Manchester United's next XI will show who Erik ten Hag really trusts

It might seem like job done for Manchester United in the Europa League after they secured qualification from Group E last week. Erik ten Hag doesn't agree.

United confirmed a top-two finish in the group with a convincing win over FC Sheriff last week, but that does not guarantee a place in the knockout rounds.

Unless they beat Real Sociedad by two goals this Thursday night, United will be forced to play a two-legged play-off round next February against one of the teams that finished third in their Champions League group. It could set up a mouth-watering tie against the likes of Ajax, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona or Juventus. Ten Hag isn't so keen.

Since their loss at home to Sociedad in the opening group game, the Dutchman has hammered home the importance of winning Group E to his players. Not only does it grant them an easier path to the later stages of European competition, but it also provides the priceless reward of two free midweeks in the new year.

United could use those dates to reschedule one of their two previously postponed Premier League games against Leeds or Crystal Palace. If not, they will savour the extra days of rest as they look to maintain their pursuit of a top-four finish and a return to the Champions League.

It means the pressure is high to get the right result on Thursday night, and Ten Hag will need to pick a side he can trust to get the job done.

David de Gea will keep his place in goal, but there is a big decision to make in defence with Raphael Varane sidelined until the start of the World Cup at least. Last week, Victor Lindelof was named to start alongside Lisandro Martinez against Sheriff, but Harry Maguire impressed in his place against West Ham.

If both fit, it will be fascinating to see who Ten Hag backs to start the game in Spain, and his selection could well confirm the defensive pecking order at play for the rest of the season.

In midfield, the selection should be more straightforward. Bruno Fernandes looks set to start because he will miss the weekend trip to Villa Park, while Casemiro and Christian Eriksen look like certainties as key members of United's strongest side.

The final dilemma comes in the attack. Antony missed the match at the weekend through injury but will be welcomed back from the start if he is fit. Marcus Rashford is also certain to start, whether that be on the left wing or through the middle.

It means the final place up for grabs could either go to Cristiano Ronaldo or even possibly Anthony Martial now that he is back in training, though Ten Hag might not want to rush him back too soon, given how rotten his injury record has been of late.

Jadon Sancho doesn't deserve to start, but Ten Hag was impressed with the output of Anthony Elanga against West Ham. Alejandro Garnacho shone against Sheriff, but it was telling that he wasn't rewarded with any action last weekend for a much tougher test in the Premier League.

It's encouraging to know that United have a few more viable bench options in Garnacho and possibly Martial, but with so much at stake, we're about to find out who Ten Hag truly trusts from the start.