Manchester United continue their Europa League campaign on Thursday as they face Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena in the first leg of their last-16 tie. The Red Devils secured third place in the League Phase, while Sociedad finished 13th and had to overcome FC Midtjylland in a playoff to reach this stage.
Ruben Amorim’s United head into this fixture under pressure after a disappointing FA Cup exit against Fulham, losing on penalties following a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Their domestic struggles continue as they sit 14th in the Premier League, making Europa League glory their best shot at securing Champions League football next season.
Despite inconsistency in the league, United remain unbeaten in this season’s Europa League, winning five of their last eight games. They boast one of the best attacking records in the competition, averaging 18.8 shots per game—their highest in European play since 2003-04.
Real Sociedad are enduring a rough patch, losing back-to-back matches against Real Madrid and Barcelona. Sitting ninth in La Liga and 12 points off the top four, their best route to Champions League qualification might also come through the Europa League.
Sociedad have never progressed beyond the last 16 in a major European tournament this century, and they have struggled against English teams at home, failing to score in their last three encounters with United. However, they did claim a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford in the 2022 group stage.
Sociedad will be without Jon Pacheco (muscle) and Arsen Zakharyan (thigh), while Álvaro Odriozola is doubtful. Key players Takefusa Kubo and Sheraldo Becker return after serving domestic suspensions.
For United, injuries continue to pile up, with Lisandro Martínez, Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Altay Bayindir, Jonny Evans, and Toby Collyer all sidelined. Harry Maguire and Tom Heaton remain doubts, which could see Victor Lindelöf partner Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro in defense.
Patrick Dorgu is available for his European debut, while Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho could lead the attack, potentially pushing either Rasmus Højlund or Joshua Zirkzee to the bench.
Expected lineups: Real Sociedad – Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Munoz; Sucic, Zubimendi, Mendez; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea. Manchester United – Onana, De Ligt, Lindelöf, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Garnacho, Fernandes; Zirkzee.
A first-leg draw seems likely given United’s defensive issues and Sociedad’s inconsistent form. Both teams have struggled in their domestic leagues, making this clash a crucial opportunity to keep their European hopes alive. A 2-2 draw could be on the cards in an entertaining encounter.