Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is confident that his side can secure the result they need to finish ahead of Real Sociedad at the top of Group E.

The 20-time English champions are currently second in their Europa League section, three points behind Real Sociedad, with the two teams set to lock horns in Spain on Thursday night.

Real Sociedad recorded a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford in the reverse match back in September, meaning that Man United will need to win by two goals if they are to finish at the top of the group on the head-to-head record.

First spot would ensure that the Red Devils are present in the last-16 stage of the Europa League, rather than having to play a knockout match in order to progress.

Ten Hag has opened up on the 'importance' of winning the group, and he has also insisted that his side have progressed since their 1-0 loss to the Spanish side in Manchester.

"Obviously, it's important. We can win tomorrow night. We know what we have to do, win by a two-goal margin. But if you want to win the trophy you have to win all the games so we have to win every one," the Dutchman told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

"It's six weeks ago or so and it's a different team, not all the players then are fit. We're growing, developing, making good progress.

"We know it's difficult to win games here but we like the challenge. We know we have to win by two goals, we have a plan for that and we will do everything to get it done."

Casemiro sat alongside Ten Hag at the press conference on Wednesday evening, and the Man United head coach was keen to pay tribute to the summer arrival from Real Madrid.

"You see him growing game on game and also our team is growing so we're really happy with the progress but we have to keep that process going. We are not satisfied and we have to keep getting better," he added.

"He told me he needs a new challenge because at Real Madrid he won everything. He was a big part at Real Madrid and they didn't want him to go but he had the feeling 'I have to go to another club, another league to prove myself and that shows his hunger.

"I really like that. From the first day he has come with that attitude in every training, every match and I really like it. He will be more and more important to our team."

Ten Hag also confirmed that Jadon Sancho was not with the squad due to illness, while Anthony Martial and Antony were not fit enough to travel for the European clash.

Man United are unbeaten in their last eight matches in all competitions, recording six wins in the process, with their last loss proving to be the defeat in the Manchester derby on October 2.