Manchester United vs Real Sociedad – Match preview and team news

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·13 Maret 2025

Manchester United vs Real Sociedad – Match preview and team news

Manchester United battle it out with Real Sociedad this evening for a place amongst the last eight of the Europa League.

When the two sides met last week, the spoils were shared in Spain after an evenly contested encounter.

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Ruben Amorim has welcomed Mason Mount back to training over the last few days following a prolonged spell plagued by multiple issues.

Tonight’s match comes too soon for the former Chelsea midfielder, but there are encouraging signs that he could be involved in the foreseeable future.

This is your future. Your home. Your United. #MUFC
– Selasa, 11 Maret 2025

Harry Maguire is another individual that could be ready for the weekend, while Leny Yoro will return after the international break. The defender was substituted at the interval against Arsenal after a foot problem meant he couldn’t continue.

Manuel Ugarte is in contention to start despite being absent from the weekend’s draw with a knock. Amorim may have to alter the formation from his signature back three with the Red Devils only having two fit recognised central defenders.

Real Sociedad will be trying to replicate their last visit to Old Trafford, which saw them win 1-0 back in 2022.

Manager Imanol Alguacil has a few availability issues to contend with. Venezuelan international Jon Aramburu is experiencing some discomfort while Luka Sucic misses out due to a flare-up of a knee issue.

First-choice goalkeeper Alex Remiro was dropped against Sevilla with Unai Marrero being deployed between the sticks. It is yet to be determined whether that decision was a rest or a permanent switch.

Manchester United vs Real Sociedad – Match preview and team news

Form

Manchester United: DWDDD

A hard-fought point against Arsenal on Sunday meant Manchester United’s unbeaten streak remained intact.

Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick put his side in front just before the break but Declan Rice equalised with a quarter of an hour remaining.

Their five-game unbeaten run doesn’t exactly tell the whole story. Four of those matches have resulted in draws, with one of them culminating in an FA Cup exit to Fulham on penalties.

If United progress, they will face either FCSB or Lyon in the next stage.

Real Sociedad: WLLDL

A lethargic display from Sociedad saw them fall to a disheartening 1-0 home defeat to Sevilla on Sunday. Chidera Ejuke stunned Imanol Alguacil’s outfit immediately after the interval. The loss meant Sevilla overtook Sociedad in the table.

They now sit in 11th place in La Liga and their hopes of qualifying for European competition are quickly fading. They’ll be attempting to become the eighth team to dispatch Manchester United at Old Trafford this campaign.

Last Meeting

Real Sociedad 1-1 Manchester United, Europa League, 6th March 2025

The first leg ended all square in San Sebastian with Manchester United’s opener cancelled out by the hosts.

Ruben Amorim’s side started the game brightly and Alejandro Garnacho sent an early shot into the midriff of Alex Remiro.

A goalmouth scramble just before the interval saw Real Sociedad survive by the finest of margins. Bruno Fernandes’ initial effort was valiantly blocked on the line by Aritz Elustondo, who repositioned himself well to thwart Joshua Zirkzee seconds later.

In the second period, Sociedad’s goal remained under siege but Garnacho couldn’t find the required accuracy or power to beat the goalkeeper.

United’s persistence finally paid dividends as Zirkzee broke the deadlock just shy of the hour mark. The lively Garnacho rolled the ball into the Dutchman’s path and the former Bologna man swept in.

Zirkzee's strike in San Sebastian leaves our #UEL last-16 tie in the balance 💪 #MUFC
– Rabu, 12 Maret 2025

However, United’s opponents were given an avenue back into the contest. A lengthy VAR check determined that Fernandes’ hand had blocked Nayef Aguerd’s header inside the box. Referee Ivan Kruzliak pointed to the spot following a thorough on-field review.

Mikel Oyarzabal sent Andre Onana the wrong way to convert the kick and cause an eruption inside the Reale Arena.

The momentum was firmly in Sociedad’s favour for the closing stages. Brais Mendez was denied from range by Onana before Orri Oskarsson poked wide from a few yards out.

Neither side could find a winner on the night to leave the second leg in Manchester finely poised.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Lindelof, Mazraoui, Dorgu; Fernandes, Ugarte; Garnacho, Hojlund, Zirkzee.

Real Sociedad: Remiro; Elustondo, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Munoz; Mendez, Zubimendi, Gomez; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea/

Who is the referee?

French referee Benoit Bastien will be the match official. Hicham Zakrani and Aurelien Berthomieu will assist him while Jeremie Pignard will be the fourth official. The VAR is Willy Delajod. He will be assisted by Benoit Millot.