Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United welcome Real Sociedad to Old Trafford as they prepare for their last 16 tie with both sides locked at 1-1 following last week’s draw in San Sebastian. United go into this game in need of a win after drawing three games in a row. Real Sociedad on the other hand will look for Europa League success to secure a Champions League spot next season.
Despite domestic struggles that put them in 14th place in the Premier League, United remain unbeaten in the Europa League this season and will be eager to extend that record. They drew their most recent game against Arsenal in the Premier League 1-1. On the table United have scored less goals then every team above them this season, they are outscored by Brentford, Fulham and Crystal Palace to name a few. Now, with the club’s Champions League hopes resting on European success Amorim faces mounting pressure to deliver as his side seeks their fourth consecutive home win in the competition.
Real Sociedad arrive in Manchester in search of momentum after losing three consecutive domestic matches, including a 1-0 defeat to Sevilla last weekend. Sociedad also have 13 losses this season which is the joint third worst in the league, but they have only drawn four times which keeps them in 11th place. Now, with their chances of a top four La Liga finish fading, Imanol Alguacil’s side may need to lift the Europa League trophy to secure a Champions League spot next season. Although, the Spanish side can take confidence from their recent success at Old Trafford where they remain unbeaten across their last two visits including a 1-0 victory in September 2022.
Manchester United remain without Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and several others due to injury. Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire are doubts while Manuel Ugarte could return after missing the last two games. Patrick Dorgu is available and may start at left back.
For Real Sociedad, Jon Pacheco is out while Luka Sucic and Jon Aramburu are major doubts. Alvaro Odriozola and Arsen Zakharyan are back in contention and Martin Zubimendi is expected to return to the starting eleven. Oyarzabal, Kubo and Barrenetxea should also feature in attack.
Manchester United possible lineup: Onana; De Ligt, Lindelof, Mazraoui; Dalot, Fernandes, Casemiro, Dorgu; Garnacho, Hojlund, Zirkzee
Real Sociedad possible lineup: Remiro; Elustondo, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Munoz; Turrientes, Zubimendi, Mendez; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea
