Manchester United are set for a crucial Europa League showdown as they host Real Sociedad in the second leg of their last 16 tie at Old Trafford. After a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the first leg, both teams know that victory will secure their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
With home advantage, United will be hoping to make the most of their strong European record at Old Trafford and overcome a struggling Real Sociedad side.
This match is a defining moment for Rúben Amorim’s team, who have shown glimpses of brilliance but are still searching for consistency. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad have endured a rough patch, winning only two of their last seven matches in all competitions.
With both sides looking to bounce back from recent disappointments, this encounter promises to be a tense and dramatic affair.
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Man Utd’s Key Players and Injury Concerns
United have had their share of injury setbacks, with Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martínez, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, and Luke Shaw all ruled out. In midfield, Mason Mount is not yet fully fit, while Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo will also miss the fixture. However, the return of Manuel Ugarte is a boost for Amorim, adding much-needed depth to the midfield.
With these absences, United’s attack will rely heavily on Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Højlund, Joshua Zirkzee, and Alejandro Garnacho to break down a resilient Real Sociedad defense. Onana will guard the posts, while Matthijs de Ligt, Victor Lindelöf, and Noussair Mazraoui are expected to marshal the backline.
Real Sociedad’s Struggles and Key Players
Imanol Alguacil’s side has been far from their best in recent weeks, with their latest 1-0 loss to Sevilla adding to their woes. They have failed to secure a win in their last three matches, making this a challenging trip to Old Trafford.
Real Sociedad will be without Jon Pacheco, while Luka Sucic and Jon Aramburu remain doubtful. Alvaro Odriozola and Arsen Zakharyan could make a return, while the influential Martin Zubimendi, who missed the first leg, is set to start and add stability to Sociedad’s midfield.
The visitors will look to Mikel Oyarzabal, their captain and top scorer, to provide the spark in attack. With support from Takefusa Kubo, Ander Barrenetxea, and Brais Méndez, Real Sociedad will aim to capitalize on any defensive frailties United might show.
Tactical Battle: Amorim vs Alguacil
This match presents an intriguing tactical battle between Rúben Amorim and Imanol Alguacil. United’s high-pressing approach and quick transitions will be crucial in disrupting Sociedad’s possession-based game.
United are likely to deploy a 3-4-2-1 formation, allowing Fernandes and Zirkzee to operate in advanced roles behind Højlund. Casemiro’s presence in midfield will be key to breaking up Sociedad’s build-up play and shielding the defense.
On the other hand, Real Sociedad’s 4-1-4-1 formation will aim to clog the midfield and hit United on the counter, with Kubo and Oyarzabal leading the charge. The return of Zubimendi will strengthen their midfield control, but they will need to be clinical in front of goal to stand a chance.
Head-to-Head and Recent Form
United have enjoyed a slight upper hand in their recent meetings with Real Sociedad, winning two of their last five encounters. Sociedad managed one victory, while two games ended in draws.
Man Utd’s last five matches:
- Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal (Premier League) – 09/03/25
- Real Sociedad 1-1 Man Utd (Europa League) – 06/03/25
- Man Utd 1-1 (3-4p) Fulham (FA Cup) – 02/03/25
- Man Utd 3-2 Ipswich (Premier League) – 26/02/25
- Everton 2-2 Man Utd (Premier League) – 22/02/25
Real Sociedad’s last five matches:
- Real Sociedad 0-1 Sevilla (La Liga) – 09/03/25
- Real Sociedad 1-1 Man Utd (Europa League) – 06/03/25
- Barcelona 4-0 Real Sociedad (La Liga) – 02/03/25
- Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid (La Liga) – 26/02/25
- Real Sociedad 3-0 Leganés (La Liga) – 23/02/25
Prediction: Man Utd vs Real Sociedad
Man Utd enter this match as favorites, especially given Real Sociedad’s poor away form, having lost five of their last six away games. Bruno Fernandes’ creativity and Højlund’s goal-scoring instincts will be key in breaking down Sociedad’s defensive setup.
While Sociedad have shown resilience in their previous encounters, United’s attacking quality and home advantage should give them the edge. Expect a tight, hard-fought game, but United’s superior individual talent should see them through to the quarter-finals.
Prediction: Man Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad
Where to Watch
UK: TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, Discovery+
US: Paramount+, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, ViX
Canada: DAZN Canada
With a place in the Europa League quarter-finals on the line, Manchester United cannot afford to slip up. Despite their inconsistency, they remain the stronger side on paper, and with the backing of Old Trafford, they should get the job done.
For Real Sociedad, this is a do-or-die encounter. If they are to stand any chance of progressing, they must overcome their struggles in front of goal and take advantage of any defensive lapses from United.
As the stakes rise, one team will advance, and one will fall—who will it be? We’ll find out on Thursday night at Old Trafford!
