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Preview for Real Sociedad v Manchester United
Manchester United head to San Sebastián knowing the Europa League is their last chance of silverware this season.
It has been another miserable campaign for United, who have struggled on the pitch and hit the headlines off it with new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe forcing through a series of unpopular cost-cutting measures.
The latest chapter came on Sunday when Ruben Amorim’s side went out of the FA Cup after losing to Fulham on a penalty shoot-out at Old Trafford after a 1-1 draw – Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee the men to miss.
Winning the Europa League would be huge for the club both from a footballing and financial perspective.
It would provide a platform for Amorim to start his squad rebuild, enhanced by claiming a place in next season’s Champions League, and also hand United increased revenue streams amid the worry of PSR sanctions.
The problem they have is Europe’s second tier competition is still stacked with good teams such as Athletic Bilbao, Roma, Tottenham and Lyon.
Real Sociedad also belong in that category and the two legs against the Spanish side ought to be close.
They have slipped to ninth in La Liga after an inconsistent run of form but present a formidable challenge on their day, as evidenced by claiming four points from two home games against Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
🇪🇺 Ostegunean Reale Arenan ikusiko dugu elkar.#UEL pic.twitter.com/pijTUVduMa
— Real Sociedad Fútbol (@RealSociedadEUS) March 4, 2025
Team News for Real Sociedad v Manchester United
United remain ravaged with injury worries.
The latest two players to be struck down are Manuel Ugarte and Harry Maguire with both set to miss the game tomorrow night after sustaining injuries against Fulham.
Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Amad Diallo are all out while young striker Chido Obi is ineligible.
The good news is Patrick Dorgu is available despite serving a domestic suspension while midfielder Toby Collier has returned to training and could feature.
Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi should be fit despite coming off at half-time in the weekend defeat to Barcelona due to a hamstring problem.
Sheraldo Becker and Takefuso Kubo are eligible despite being suspended domestically.
Expected lineups for Real Sociedad v Manchester United
Real Sociedad: Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Munoz; Sucic, Zubimendi, Mendez; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea
Manchester United: Onana; De Ligt, Yoro, Mazraoui; Dalot, Dorgu; Casemiro, Eriksen; Fernandes, Garnacho, Hojlund
How to watch Real Sociedad v Manchester United: TV channel, online live stream
Manchester Utd versus Real Sociedad kicks off at 5:45pm on Thursday 6 March and is available to watch on TNT Sports 1.
You can stream the game on the Discovery+ app.
🎥 LIVE FROM CARRINGTON 🔴
Head to #MUTV now to watch the Reds prepare for tomorrow’s #UEL tie 💪#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 5, 2025
The Stats for Real Sociedad v Manchester United
- In 22 of the last 24 Real Sociedad home matches the total number of goals was under 3.5
- In 16 of the last 18 Real Sociedad matches in the Europa League, the total number of goals was under 3.5
- Manchester United have not lost away from home in the Europa League this season
Prediction
United remain a work in progress but look short of the quality required to go deep in the competition.
The absence of Maguire will be a blow. The England defender has his critics but his physicality and ability to score crucial goals will be missed at the Anoeta.
Zubimendi is the man to watch for the home side and he could make hay against an ageing midfield that includes the likes of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.
Prediction: Real Sociedad 3-1 Manchester United
