Sponsored content, GambleAware, 18+
Manchester United head to the Basque region of Spain to play Real Sociedad in the last 16 of the revamped Europa League. As they languish in the mid-table of the Premier League, United have a realistic hope of winning UEFA’s secondary competition, being one of the highest-ranked teams left in the competition.
The Red Devils last won the Europa League under Jose Mourinho in 2016/17, and it is the only piece of silverware they can still win this season.
Real Sociedad have never won a continental title, with their last regional trophy being the 2019/20 Copa del Rey.
The Basque club are also mid-table in La Liga this season in ninth, 10 points off a Europa League spot for next season. If the club from San Sebastian have any hopes of competing in Europe again next season, they may have to win the whole competition.
Real Sociedad vs Man Utd Key information
• Date: Thursday, March 6th
• Kick-off time: 5.45pm GMT
• Venue: Reale Arena, San Sebastian
• Referee: TBC
• VAR: TBC
• TV channel: TNT Sports 1 (UK)
• Odds: RSC (21/20) - DRAW (13/5) - MAN (12/5)
Real Sociedad team news
Takefusa Kubo and Sheraldo Becker were both suspended for Real’s 4-0 loss to Barcelona over the weekend. However, they are both in contention for Thursday's game, and the former is most likely to start.
Luka Sucic sat out the Barcelona game with an injury after returning from injury against Real Madrid the game prior. It seems as though the Croatian star will be out for the foreseeable future and will miss the game against United. Mikel Oyarzabal travelled with the team in the last game, too, despite not being 100%. Real will hope that their captain is back to full health when United come to town
Real Sociedad predicted lineup v Manchester United, (4-3-3)
Coach: Imanol Alguacils
Remiro; Lopez, Aguerd, Zubeldia, Arambru; Zubimendi, Marin, Mendez; Kubo, Barrenetxea, Oyarzabal.
Manchester United Team News
Manchester United travel to Spain with a long injury list that saw them only field seven players on the bench in the FA Cup tie against Fulham, two less than the permitted nine. With senior players at a premium, chances have come up for youth prospects like Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven, who both came on against Fulham on Sunday.
January signing Patrick Dorgu will be able to play in Europe after not playing at the weekend because of a red card picked up against Ipswich. Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Toby Collyer and Altay Bayindir all remain sidelined with injuries.
Alejandro Garnacho came on against Fulham after being called a “risk” beforehand by manager Ruben Amorim, who said that he was carrying a “knock”. He played with heavy strapping over both knees, but it is thought he will feature again against Socieded in some way.
Manchester United predicted lineup v Real Sociedad, (3-4-2-1)
Coach: Ruben Amorim
Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Yoro; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dalot; Zirkzee, Garnacho; Hojlund.
Where to watch
In the UK, the game between Real and United will be on TNT 1 on Discovery+. This game is one of four being played at the earlier time of 5.45pm, with four more games taking place at 8pm on Thursday.
Head-to-Head record
Los Txuri-urdin head into the game with two wins and three losses in their last five games in all competitions. The Basque side have lost their last two games, in the league against Barcelona, and in the Copa del Rey against Real Madrid.
The Red Devils have had very indifferent form in the past five games, winning only two. They lost their last game out in the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham and have only kept one clean sheet in those five games.
In the Europa League, Real have won six of their 10 fixtures, including home and away against FC Midtjylland in the first knockout leg of the Europa League. Having come in the top eight of the Europa League group stage, United did not need to play in the first knockout round. So far, they are unbeaten in the Europa League, winning five of eight.
The two teams have met recently in this competition, playing in the group stages of the 2022/23 tournament, winning one a piece in each others' home, and met before in the knockout rounds of the 2020/21 tournament, where United came out on top 4-0 over the two legs. Their first meetings came in the 2013/14 season in the Champions League group stages, where United won 1-0 at home before drawing 0-0 away.
Odds for Real Sociedad vs Manchester United
Real Sociedad are favourites to win this game at the Reale Arena. Bet365 have Real at 21/20 to win, with United coming in at 13/5. A draw between the two is placed at 12/5.
The second leg of the tie happens a week later at Old Trafford on March 13th at 8pm.
Odds are correct at the time of writing.