Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil has confirmed that midfielder Luka Sucic will miss the crucial Europa League clash against Manchester United due to a knee injury. The Croatian international, who started in the 1-1 draw in Spain, was expected to feature at Old Trafford but surprised the manager by ruling himself out.
Alguacil admitted the news caught him off guard. “We thought he would be in the squad, but then he told me he couldn’t make it. It was a surprise,” the coach revealed. With Sucic sidelined, Sociedad will rely heavily on the returning Martin Zubimendi to anchor the midfield.
Manchester United, who took the lead in the first leg through Joshua Zirkzee before Mikel Oyarzabal equalized from the spot, are favorites to progress with the second leg at home. However, Alguacil believes his side still has a chance. “We are still alive in the tie. It’s a huge game, and we dream of reaching the quarter-finals,” he said.
The Spanish side arrives in Manchester in poor form, with just one win in their last six games. However, Alguacil remains optimistic. “Nobody talks about Sociedad, but we are used to that. United are a massive club, but we’ll compete and fight for the win,” he added.
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim also faces injury setbacks. Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire are ruled out, while Mason Mount remains sidelined despite returning to training. Key players like Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Kobbie Mainoo are also on the longer-term injury list.
“Mason Mount is too soon. Leny is out. Maguire cannot play, but I hope to have him for Sunday,” Amorim confirmed. Despite their struggles in the Premier League, the Portuguese coach praised Sociedad’s competitiveness and expects a tough battle.
Real Sociedad’s hopes will rest on key players like Mikel Merino and Takefusa Kubo to provide creativity, while Alexander Sorloth leads the attack. Meanwhile, United will look to Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford to deliver in front of goal.
With the tie perfectly poised, Alguacil knows his side must be at their best. “We have a lot to lose. We want to make history and reach the quarter-finals,” he concluded.