But with the current condition of Manchester United's players, it is clear that they have to achieve first position and like it or not, they have to beat Sociedad.
They are indeed comfortable in 2nd place now but of course Ten Hag doesn't want this to be too comfortable if you see Sociedad from a player perspective clearly below them.
Second place in the European league is very dangerous. They will play the play-offs with teams from UCL. Right now we can see that the big teams are third. The team that wins the Europa League will most likely be one of the teams eliminated from UCL. Therefore, Manchester United must be the group winner so that there is no possibility of an early farewell to the Europa League. They have to beat Real Sociedad for sure.
Inevitably they have to do that if they can't make Sociedad step down from his current position.
Their first game did not go well for Manchester United and indeed one of the last hopes is with the second meeting later.
The problem is will they be able to? because in the first match by playing at Old Trafford they had to feel defeat.