Real Sociedad host Manchester United in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie in 2024-25 UEFA Europa League.
Real Sociedad overcame Midtjylland in their knockout playoff tie to qualify for this round, whilst Man Utd advanced to this stage as one of the top eight league-phase finishers.
Team News
Real Sociedad will have Aritz Elustondo available as his suspension is only applicable to their domestic fixtures, having been red carded in their 4-0 loss at Barcelona.
Takefusa Kubo is back from suspension but Sheraldo Becker is available for this game amidst a continued domestic three-match ban.
Arsen Zakharyan (thigh) and Jon Pacheco (muscle) are doubtful for selection.
Man Utd will be without Harry Maguire (hamstring) and Manuel Ugarte (knock) following their FA Cup exit against Fulham.
Patrick Dorgu is available for selection as his suspension only applies to domestic matches.
Jonny Evans, Kobbie Mainoo (both muscle), Lisandro Martinez (knee), Mason Mount (leg), Amad Diallo (ankle), Altay Bayindir and Luke Shaw (both unspecified) are still sidelined.
When is Kick-Off?
Real Sociedad host Man Utd at Anoeta Stadium on Thursday 5 March at 6:45pm CET (5:45pm UK Time), live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Real Sociedad have won one of four previous Europa League meetings against Man Utd (W1, D1, L2).
- Man Utd have won each of their two previous Europa League visits to Real Sociedad (W2).
- Real Sociedad have failed to score in each of their two previous Europa League home games against Man Utd.
- Brais Mendez scored in each of Real Sociedad’s last two Europa League matches (W2).
- Five of Utd’s eight away goals in the league phase came after half-time (W2, D2).
Prediction
Despite discipline being an issue for Real Sociedad in recent matches, they often aren’t short on goals especially in this competition but their defence is their Achilles heel with just one clean sheet in all competitions in the last month.
Man Utd though aren’t exactly much better defensively but their attack is continuously wasteful with plenty of moments of rushed final touches to their end product, which was particularly evident in their FA Cup exit to Fulham which means that they must take this competition seriously if want any European action next season.
Real Sociedad though also will have similar thoughts given their own domestic situation so I do expect a good battle and it wouldn’t be surprising if this tie ultimately rests upon the second leg.
Prediction: Real Sociedad 1-1 Man Utd
