Eriksen acknowledges high stakes for Man Utd's European hopes

Manchester United face a crucial showdown against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford on Thursday, knowing that progression in the Europa League is vital to keeping their European hopes alive for next season.

Midfielder Christian Eriksen has acknowledged the weight of expectation on the team, given their struggles in the Premier League, where they find themselves languishing in the lower half of the table, far from the European qualification spots.

"We know how important the game against Sociedad is and the pressure that comes with it," he admitted. "If we want to be in Europe next season, we either have to win a lot of games in the league or go through the Europa League. This club competes for trophies, and we have to show that on the pitch."

With the tie finely poised at 1-1 following last week's first leg in San Sebastian, Eriksen stressed that missing out on European football is simply not an option. "This club belongs in Europe, but we also shouldn't be in the lower half of the Premier League table. We need to improve, and we know that. Our goal is to finish in a much better position," he added.

The Danish playmaker also came to the defence of his compatriot Rasmus Hojlund, who has now gone 20 matches without finding the net. Despite the criticism surrounding the young striker, Eriksen believes it is only a matter of time before he regains his scoring touch.

"It's not just him – many of us, myself included, ought to be scoring more goals," he continued. "He is a striker; he lives for goals and is always endeavouring to get into the right positions. It's simply a matter of regaining belief in front of goal. He works incredibly hard for the team, and at some point, things will begin to go his way once more."

With their season hanging in the balance, United will need to deliver a strong performance at Old Trafford.