Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek expects a major test tonight against Real Sociedad.

United kickoff their Europa League campaign against La Real.

“There are really good teams in La Liga," the 25-year-old told manutd.com. “I saw Real Sociedad play a few times and they are technical and really good. They are all technically very good, like all Spanish teams.

“It's a tough opponent, and we have to play good to get the result. But we need to focus on ourselves to be in top shape and to be in good form. I saw their game against Barcelona recently – at the end they conceded a few goals – but, before that, they played good football.

“It will be a tough game and we have to give everything. David Silva, for example, is a really good player. They lost [Alexander] Isak, who was a good striker. I played against him in the Netherlands before, when he played there [for Willem II]. But they have a few more other good players."

Erik ten Hag is widely expected to make a few changes to the Reds' XI, after four league games in which he has kept a very consistent starting line-up. With matches set to come thick and fast before the mid-season World Cup, van de Beek feels it's an exciting period of the season.

“I think it's great to play many games," he smiles. “I love it when we play after a few days [another] game. I prefer more to have games than training sessions, so definitely I like it!

“That will help everyone. Having lots of options will keep everyone sharp and, for this, we need lots of good players."