On Thursday United welcome Real Sociedad to Old Trafford for a crucial second-leg tie in the Europa League last 16, with the score level at 1-1.
We played quite well for large parts of the first leg, and should go into the match with confidence after again playing well against Arsenal at the weekend.
Given our lowly league position and the fact we’re out of both the League and FA Cup, United’s entire season effectively rests on this one game.
Put simply – it’s do or die time.
Manchester United Team News
Manchester United travel to Spain with several key players unavailable.
Manuel Ugarte could return to the Reds’ line-up after a two-game absence, although Leny Yoro requires assessment after being withdrawn at half-time in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal. Ayden Heaven, who came on for the Frenchman and performed well, could be in line for a start.
The Reds are already without Altay Bayindir, Amad, Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, and Luke Shaw due to various injuries.
Additionally, young striker Chido Obi is ineligible for this competition, but Patrick Dorgu is available for selection despite currently serving a suspension in domestic football.
An Upturn in Form
Manchester United head into this crucial Europa League second leg with growing momentum after showing an improvement in their last two outings. The 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in Spain demonstrated the team’s resilience and tactical discipline, with Joshua Zirkzee announcing himself with a superb strike for his first European goal in United colours.
After this positive European performance United showed good character against Arsenal at Old Trafford, where Bruno Fernandes’ stunning free-kick secured us another 1-1 draw in a game we could have won.
These results are a little bit of an uptick from the disappointing form that preceded them – are Ruben Amorim’s methods beginning to take hold with the players?
Sociedad Are Beatable
Although we conceded an equaliser in Spain (a soft penalty), there are clear signs that Real Sociedad are beatable at Old Trafford. United dominated for over an hour in the first leg, with Bruno Fernandes seeing a goal-bound effort cleared off the line and sending a free-kick narrowly wide.
With United’s strong European home record and unbeaten European campaign (five wins, four draws), there’s genuine optimism they can progress to the quarter-finals. Old Trafford will undoubtedly provide a more intimidating atmosphere, giving United every chance to advance in their remaining route to silverware this season.
Predicted Lineup
Onana;
Heaven, De Ligt, Mazraoui;
Dalot, Fernandes, Ugarte, Dorgu;
Garnacho, Hojlund, Zirkzee.
Form Guide
Manchester United form (all competitions): LDWDD
Real Sociedad form (all competitions): WLLDL
Prediction
United are still severely depleted in terms of personnel.
However, the first two thirds of the away leg and the decent weekend performance against Arsenal show that we can turn in a performance when needed. Given we are out of every other competition this season – it is really needed tomorrow.
We predict another tight game, but expect United to eventually prevail.
Manchester United 2-1 Real Sociedad