Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says they cannot take lightly their opening Europa League game with Real Sociedad.

United host La Real tonight.

Asked the importance of winning the first game, Ten Hag said, "Huge because as you said it's the first game in the group stage. We want to win every game and in the group stage we have to get into the top two [positions] to get to the next stages. So the first win is really important.

"European nights are always special. It's great to compete with good clubs from different clubs with different styles and systems. I'm really looking forward to it.

"Spanish football is always really skilful and technical and you see the great abilities of the players. You have to be aware of that and make a good plan to fight them and to win that game.

"It's always good for the development of the team to face different systems and styles and to find answers and solutions. We come into Europe now and into the next phase of the season and it will help us as a team and we will get better from it and improve."