Manchester United vs Real Sociedad: Europa League Second Leg Preview
Manchester United will face Real Sociedad at Old Trafford on Thursday in the deciding second leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 tie. The aggregate score is 1-1 after the first leg, so both teams have everything to play for to get to the quarterfinals.
The first leg in San Sebastian ended in controversy, with Joshua Zirkzee scoring for United before Mikel Oyarzabal equalised from the penalty spot. Now, the stage is set for an intense battle at Old Trafford.
United comes into this game on the back of a 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League, a game they should have won. While their domestic season has been frustrating, Ruben Amorim’s men are unbeaten in this season’s Europa League and will look to keep that record intact.
Real Sociedad have had a tough few weeks, losing three consecutive domestic games. But La Real will take confidence from the first leg and from being able to compete with the big teams.
Team News & Tactics
Manchester United
Ruben Amorim has 12 first-team players out injured. Leny Yoro is the latest to join the list after picking up a knee injury against Arsenal, joining Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, and others. But Patrick Dorgu is back after serving his suspension.
United will play in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Andre Onana will start in goal, with Victor Lindelof, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui in the back three. Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu will be the wing backs, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro will be the midfield anchor, Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee will support Rasmus Hojlund up front.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Onana; Lindelof, de Ligt, Mazraoui; Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Garnacho, Zirkzee; Hojlund, Imanol Alguacil has a few injury worries of their own but could have Martin Zubimendi back after illness. Luka Sucic and Jon Pacheco are doubtful, while Alvaro Odriozola and Arsen Zakharyan are out.
Real Sociedad will probably play in a 4-3-3. Alex Remiro will start in goal, with Aritz Elustondo, Igor Zubeldia, Nayef Aguerd and Aihen Munoz in the back four. Martin Zubimendi will be the midfield anchor alongside Benat Turrientes and Brais Mendez. Takefusa Kubo and Ander Barrenetxea will flank Mikel Oyarzabal up front.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Remiro; Elustondo, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Munoz; Turrientes, Zubimendi, Mendez; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea.
Stats
- Manchester United have lost only one of their last 28 Europa League home matches (W21 D6), which was against Real Sociedad in September 2022.
- United are unbeaten in their last 15 home knockout matches in this competition (W10 D5).
- Real Sociedad have never won two away games in a row in major European competitions.
- Mikel Oyarzabal’s goal in the first leg was his 11th in European competitions and made him Real Sociedad’s all-time top scorer.
Player to Watch: Bruno Fernandes
He’s been the key man in recent weeks and will be the one to break Sociedad’s defence. Playing in midfield but getting forward, Fernandes’ creativity and leadership will be the difference for United.
Manchester United vs Real Sociedad Prediction
United’s home form gives them the upper hand here. Sociedad have shown plenty of character throughout the competition, but United has the quality and experience to see them through to the quarters.
Manchester United 2-1 Real Sociedad
Manchester United vs Real Sociedad Live Stream
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