Real Sociedad vs Man Utd Prediction, Line up and Team news

Manchester United will face Real Sociedad today, Thursday, March 6, 2025, in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last-16 tie. The match is scheduled to kick off at 5:45 PM UTC (6:45 PM Nigerian time) at the Reale Arena in San Sebastián, Spain.

Team News:

• Manchester United: The team is dealing with a significant injury crisis. Key players such as Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte have been ruled out due to injuries sustained in a recent defeat to Fulham.

  Other notable absentees include Amad Diallo, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martínez, Kobbie Mainoo, Altay Bayindir, and Jonny Evans.

• Real Sociedad: Midfielder Martín Zubimendi is expected to be available despite recent muscular discomfort.

  However, the fitness of players like Mikel Oyarzabal and Arsen Zakharyan remains uncertain.

Broadcast Information:

In Nigeria, the match will be broadcast live on SuperSport, available on DStv and GOtv platforms. Additionally, fans can stream the match live on the UEFA Europa League’s official website or through various sports streaming services.

Match Preview:

This encounter is crucial for both teams. Manchester United aims to salvage their season through the Europa League, given their struggles in domestic competitions. Real Sociedad, on the other hand, seeks to capitalize on United’s injury woes to gain an advantage in the tie.

For live updates and detailed statistics during the match, platforms like Sofascore provide real-time information.

Match Prediction: Real Sociedad vs Manchester United

Given Manchester United’s injury crisis, they face a tough challenge against a well-organized Real Sociedad side. Sociedad has been strong defensively in La Liga and will look to control possession and exploit United’s weakened backline.

United, despite their struggles, still possess attacking threats like Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Rasmus Højlund, who could make a difference if given space. However, with several key defenders missing, Erik ten Hag’s team could struggle to keep Sociedad at bay.

Key Players to Watch:

• Real Sociedad: Takefusa Kubo, Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi
• Manchester United: Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho

Score Prediction:

Real Sociedad 2-1 Manchester United
Sociedad may take advantage of United’s defensive issues, but the Red Devils have the quality to score at least once. The return leg at Old Trafford will then be crucial for United’s hopes of advancing.

Tactical Analysis: How Both Teams Might Approach the Game

Real Sociedad’s Approach

• Possession-based Play: Sociedad prefers to control the tempo of the game with short, precise passing. Midfielders like Mikel Merino and Martín Zubimendi will be key in dictating play.
• Attacking from the Flanks: Takefusa Kubo and Ander Barrenetxea will likely target United’s full-backs, especially with Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martínez out injured.
• High Pressing: Sociedad might press aggressively to exploit United’s weakened defensive line, forcing mistakes and winning the ball high up the pitch.

Manchester United’s Approach

• Counter-Attacking Football: With injuries limiting their defensive stability, United may look to soak up pressure and break quickly through the pace of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.
• Set-Pieces as a Weapon: With Bruno Fernandes delivering quality balls into the box, United could capitalize on corners and free kicks.
• Defensive Concerns: With key players missing, Ten Hag may deploy a more conservative midfield setup to provide extra protection for the backline.

Historical Head-to-Head Record

• The last time these two teams met in the Europa League group stage (2022-23 season), Sociedad won 1-0 at Old Trafford, while United secured a 1-0 victory in Spain.
• Overall, in five previous encounters, Sociedad has won twice, United has won twice, and one match ended in a draw.

Possible Lineups

Real Sociedad (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Álex Remiro
Defenders: Hamari Traoré, Igor Zubeldia, Robin Le Normand, Aihen Muñoz
Midfielders: Martín Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Brais Méndez
Forwards: Takefusa Kubo, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ander Barrenetxea

Manchester United (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: André Onana
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Raphaël Varane, Victor Lindelöf, Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Midfielders: Casemiro, Scott McTominay
Attacking Midfielders: Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford
Forward: Rasmus Højlund

Match Importance and Stakes

• A strong first-leg result is crucial for both teams, as the second leg at Old Trafford could be decisive.
• For Manchester United, winning the Europa League could be their best chance to qualify for next season’s Champions League, given their struggles in the Premier League.
• For Real Sociedad, a deep Europa League run would cement their status as one of Spain’s rising teams.

Potential Game-Changing Factors

1. Manchester United’s Defensive Issues

With key defenders like Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw, and Jonny Evans injured, Erik ten Hag will have to rely on makeshift defensive partnerships. Victor Lindelöf and Raphaël Varane will need to step up against Sociedad’s quick attackers like Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal.

If Sociedad applies high pressing and forces mistakes, United could struggle. However, if United’s defense holds up, they can rely on their attack to grab an important away goal.

2. Real Sociedad’s Home Advantage

Playing at the Reale Arena gives Sociedad a big boost. The passionate home crowd will push them forward, and their La Liga form at home has been strong. Sociedad will likely start fast, looking for an early goal to unsettle United.

3. Midfield Battle – Casemiro vs Zubimendi

One of the key matchups in this game will be between Casemiro and Martín Zubimendi.

• Casemiro’s experience in big European games will be crucial in breaking up Sociedad’s play.
• Zubimendi, one of the most promising young midfielders in Spain, will look to dictate possession and keep Sociedad in control.

4. Bruno Fernandes – The Creative Force

If United are to get a positive result, Bruno Fernandes will need to be at his best. As United’s captain and playmaker, he will be responsible for creating chances for Rashford, Garnacho, and Højlund.

Sociedad will try to press him aggressively, so he’ll need support from McTominay and Casemiro to have time on the ball. If Bruno finds space, he can be the difference-maker.

Scoreline Scenarios

1. If Sociedad Scores Early:

• United may struggle to get back into the game, especially with their defensive weaknesses.
• Sociedad could control possession and push for a second goal.

2. If United Scores First:

• United may sit back and hit Sociedad on the counter.
• Sociedad will have to take more risks, which could leave them exposed.

3. If It’s a Tight Game:

• Both teams could be cautious, knowing the second leg at Old Trafford will decide everything.
• A 1-1 draw or a narrow 1-0 win for either side is possible.

Final Thoughts:

Expect an intense, tactical battle between Real Sociedad’s possession-based play and Man United’s counter-attacking threat. If United’s injury-hit defense holds firm, they could leave Spain with a positive result. However, Sociedad’s home advantage makes them slight favorites.