Man United v Real Sociedad

As domestic struggles persist for both teams, Manchester United and Real Sociedad face off in a high-stakes encounter that could define their seasons. With silverware and European qualification for next season on the line, this clash at Old Trafford takes on even greater significance. As the tie remains finely poised, here’s our best insight ahead of this crucial showdown. 

⭐ Man United v Real Sociedad Best Bet

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the club off the pitch and questions about Ruben Amorim’s tactics, Manchester United enter this second leg as favourites. While they may feel disappointed after dropping points against Arsenal at the weekend in a game they arguably should have won, they will take confidence from their European performances. Their 1-1 draw in the first leg extended their unbeaten Europa League run this season (W5, D4), and while Old Trafford is no longer the fortress it once was, it remains a stronghold for United in this competition. They have lost just once in their last 28 Europa League home matches (W21, D6), a record that firmly places them in the driver’s seat.  

On the other hand, Real Sociedad arrive at Old Trafford on a four-game winless streak across all competitions (D1, L3), adding further pressure on manager Imanol Alguacil. Their away form makes progression even more daunting, having suffered five defeats in their last six away fixtures (W1). History is also against them - La Real have won just one of their four visits to England in European competition (D1, L2) and are aiming to reach their first European quarter-final since the 1988/89 season, a challenge that looks increasingly difficult given their current form. 

👕 Man United v Real Sociedad Predicted XI

🔍 Man United v Real Sociedad Players to Watch

🔵 Takefusa Kubo

The Japanese winger is one of Real Sociedad’s most dynamic attacking outlets, particularly in terms of drawing fouls. He leads the team in this category with an average of 2.24 fouls won per 90 minutes. He has won two or more fouls in six of his last eight appearances and was fouled twice in the reverse fixture. Up against both Noussair Mazraoui (who commits 1.46 fouls per 90) and Patrick Dorgu (who averages 2.01 fouls per 90), Kubo should once again find himself targeted. 

📂 Man United v Real Sociedad Cheat Sheet

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💻 Man United v Real Sociedad Form and Tactics

Despite their struggles in the Premier League, United’s Europa League campaign has provided a rare bright spot and a potential route to silverware. They lead the tournament in possession (59.3%), demonstrating their intent to control games, and have shown strong discipline, committing the 3rd-fewest fouls (9.7 per game) and picking up the 2nd-fewest cards (11 total).  

Defensively, their Europa League record is mixed. While they have conceded one of the lowest expected goals against (xGA) totals in the competition (10.3), they have struggled to keep clean sheets. They have managed just one shutout in their last seven home Europa League matches (W5, D2), conceding four times in three meetings against Spanish opposition. This vulnerability could make the match more open than United would like. 

One key statistic offers Real Sociedad some hope. They rank 2nd in the Europa League for expected goals (xG) with a total of 21.3, showing that they do create chances. If they can find their clinical edge, they could exploit United’s defensive weaknesses. But against a team that dominates possession and thrives in knockout football at Old Trafford, La Real’s task remains a daunting one. 

🏁 Man United v Real Sociedad Ref Watch

• Referee - Benoit Bastien

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* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.