Manchester United vs Real Sociedad: Can Red Devils salvage their season in Europa League?

Manchester United state of play 

It’s make or break time for Manchester United. After the 1-1 stalemate in San Sebastian, they head into their Europa League round-of-16 second leg against Real Sociedad with the tie firmly in the balance. 

The pressure is on in a season-defining fixture, but the competition has provided some much-needed respite from United’s domestic struggles.

Love football? Find the best football betting sites and bet with welcome bonuses today.

An encouraging display in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday means Ruben Amorim’s side should have increased belief heading into this decisive match. However, injuries are piling up.

The English giants have just nine wins in 28 games, but the Red Devils remain unbeaten in Europe (W5 D4). Additionally, they have the highest average possession in the competition (59.3%).

Manchester United have also won three and only lost one of their previous seven matches against Real Sociedad.

Real Sociedad state of play 

Real Sociedad have lost three of their last five games in all competitions, including a 1-0 home defeat to Sevilla on Sunday. But the Spanish side will fancy their chances in Manchester. 

Looking to reach the quarter-finals of a major European competition for the first time since 1988-89, they won 1-0 at Old Trafford in September 2022. 

The 11th-placed La Liga team travel to England with a strong Europa League record behind them. Real Sociedad have scored 21 goals so far - the second-highest in the competition. They’ve also created 36 big chances compared to United’s 26 (via FotMob). 

However, they’ve conceded seven goals in five games and they’ve lost five of their last six away matches in all competitions. 

Key talking point: An open game is on the cards 

While Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes is their main creative outlet, Real Sociedad will be relying on Mikel Oyarzabal to turn it on in Manchester. They’re both heavily reliant on their captains. 

Both teams have scored in all of their Europa League matches this season. A drab affair isn’t expected here. 

Real Sociedad’s 20-year-old Icelandic striker Orri Oskarsson and talisman Oyarzabal have four Europa League goals. Meanwhile, United’s Rasmus Hojlund has registered five strikes and is their main goal-getter in the competition. 

United will surely attack from the off, although the low-block they employed against Arsenal could be on show once again. 

Whether or not Amorim opts for another pragmatic approach is hard to know, but both teams have scored plenty of goals in the competition. 

It should be attack versus attack in this one, as both sides aim to move on to a quarter-final, most likely against Lyon.

FIRST’s top tip for Manchester United vs Real Sociedad

I think Manchester United will fall just short despite scoring. Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil rotated his squad against Sevilla on Sunday and they should be fresher, plus the return of Martin Zubimendi could make all the difference.

Both teams to score and Real Sociedad to qualify - 17/4 with Betway

Extra tip

Mikel Oyarzabal hitting the back of the net once again is tempting here. The star of the team is heavily involved in most of Real Sociedad’s attacks and he scored a penalty in the first game.

Mikel Oyarzabal to score anytime - 7/2 with Zetbet 

Team news

After missing the draw in Spain, Manuel Ugarte could return for United. Harry Maguire’s knock is expected to keep him sidelined and Leny Yoro is likely to miss out after injuring his foot against Arsenal. 

Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Jonny Evans and Altay Bayindir are also on the treatment table, while Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martínez are suffering with long-term injuries. 

As for Real Sociedad, the aforementioned Martin Zubimendi is back from illness after missing the first leg. Additionally, Alvaro Odriozola and Arsen Zakharyan have both overcome fitness issues.

However, Luka Sucic and Jon Aramburu are unlikely to feature, while Jon Pacheco remains injured. 

Manchester United vs Real Sociedad predicted line-ups

Manchester United: Onana; De Ligt, Lindelof, Mazraoui; Dalot, Fernandes, Ugarte, Dorgu; Garnacho, Hojlund, Zirkzee (3-4-3) 

Real Sociedad: Remiro; Traore, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Munoz; Marin, Zubimendi, Mendez; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea (4-3-3)

Form guide (all competitions)

Manchester United: WLWLDWLDDD

Real Sociedad: WWWLWWLLDL 

Odds correct at time of writing.