Manchester United vs. Real Sociedad – Prediction, Team News, and Lineups
Match Preview
The stage is set for an exciting showdown at Old Trafford as Manchester United welcomes Real Sociedad for the second leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie. The match is delicately poised at 1-1 after a thrilling first leg in San Sebastián. With everything still to play for, both teams will be aiming to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
After their 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad last week, Manchester United faced another tense encounter at home, drawing 1-1 with Arsenal in the Premier League. Bruno Fernandes’ spectacular free-kick was canceled out by Declan Rice’s second-half equalizer. Despite their domestic struggles, with the Red Devils sitting 14th in the Premier League, 13 points adrift of the top five, all eyes are on the Europa League as the club fights for Champions League qualification.
Under new manager Ruben Amorim, United has been solid in Europe, remaining unbeaten in the Europa League this season (W5 D4). Their record at Old Trafford in this competition is also impressive, having won three straight games. In fact, they’ve lost only once in their last 28 Europa League home matches, although that defeat came at the hands of Real Sociedad in September 2022. A tight 1-0 loss in the group stages was settled by a second-half penalty from Brais Mendez.
Real Sociedad’s form has been less convincing, having lost three of their last four matches in all competitions, including a 1-0 defeat to Sevilla in La Liga last weekend. Despite this, they will take confidence from their solid result in the first leg and their strong record on the road in the Europa League this season.
The two teams find themselves in similar positions: struggling domestically but with a clear path to the Champions League through Europa League glory. Real Sociedad's hopes of qualifying for next season’s European competition rest heavily on advancing in this tournament, and they will need to continue their strong form in the competition, where they are unbeaten in their last two visits to Old Trafford.
Recent Form
- Manchester United (Europa League): W-W-W-W-D
- Manchester United (All Competitions): L-D-W-L-D
- Real Sociedad (Europa League): W-L-W-W-D
- Real Sociedad (All Competitions): W-W-L-L-D-L
Team News
Manchester United
The Red Devils have been hit with several injury concerns ahead of the game. Leny Yoro (foot) and Harry Maguire (knock) will miss out, joining a growing list of injured players including Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw, and others. Midfielder Mason Mount has returned to training but is unlikely to feature, while Manuel Ugarte is set to make the squad after missing recent matches. With key defensive absences, Noussair Mazraoui could partner Matthijs de Ligt and Victor Lindelof in central defense. The attack could see a choice between Christian Eriksen, Alejandro Garnacho, or out-of-form striker Rasmus Hojlund to partner Joshua Zirkzee.
Real Sociedad
For the visitors, Jon Pacheco (muscle) is unavailable, and there are concerns over Luka Sucic (knee) and Jon Aramburu (foot), who both missed training this week. However, the likes of Alvaro Odriozola and Arsen Zakharyan are in contention to feature after recovering from injury. Star midfielder Martin Zubimendi will return to the lineup after missing the first leg due to illness. Coach Imanol Alguacil is expected to make several changes to the attacking lineup, with Mikel Oyarzabal, Takefusa Kubo, and Ander Barrenetxea likely to start.
Possible Lineups
Manchester United (4-3-3)
Onana; De Ligt, Lindelof, Mazraoui; Dalot, Fernandes, Casemiro, Dorgu; Garnacho, Hojlund, Zirkzee
Real Sociedad (4-3-3)
Remiro; Elustondo, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Munoz; Turrientes, Zubimendi, Mendez; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea
Our Prediction
After a tightly contested first leg, the second match at Old Trafford is set to be another closely-fought encounter. Both teams are struggling domestically, and while Real Sociedad has shown some promise in their European campaign, Manchester United’s home form in the Europa League gives them the slight edge. Expect the match to potentially go to extra time, with United finding a way to emerge victorious and advance 2-1 after extra time, securing a 3-2 aggregate win.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Real Sociedad (Man United to win 2-1 after extra time, 3-2 on aggregate)
