Europa League: This is a Big Deal for United and Sociedad

Manchester United vs Real Sociedad

Europa League action returns to Old Trafford on Thursday in a winner-takes-all clash, as Manchester United and Real Sociedad get it on in their Round of 16 second leg. 

Both United and Sociedad are struggling in their domestic leagues and are in need of a pick-up, and the tie is perfectly balanced after the two teams played out a 1-1 draw in San Sebastian last week. Joshua Zirkzee gave the Red Devils a lead with a low strike from the edge of the penalty area; but when United captain Bruno Fernandes handled in the penalty area Mikel Oyarzabal levelled from the penalty spot.

Ruben Amorin has had a tough baptism as Manchester United manager but the likeable Portuguese coach has picked up some encouraging results since the turn of the year, drawing with runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool and second placed Arsenal, as well as putting the Gunners out of FA Cup on penalties. But he has a huge job on his hands at Old Trafford, out of both domestic cups and in the bottom half of the league.

The Europa League is now the Red Devils’ top priority. 

Imanol Alguacil has been in charge at Sociedad since 2018 and has led the team to regular top six finishes as well as a Copa del Rey triumph in 2020. But currently 11^th in the La Liga table La Real has an uphill battle to win European football again, and they are 1-0 down in their two leg Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid.

Sociedad have more plates to spin but this competition is their best chance of silverware.

The latest Europa League 2025 betting odds make the Red Devils third favourites to win the tournament, but whichever team emerges from this tie will have a great chance of going all the way.  

 

Talking Points

Bruno’s United mission  

Manchester United’s influential skipper Fernandes has been the club’s most productive player over the past few difficult campaigns, always working hard for the cause and providing more than his fair share of magical moments. He scored a peach of a free-kick as the Red Devils earned a 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday but he was upset to have given away the penalty which let Sociedad back in the game last week, so he is determined to make amends on Thursday.

Fernandes is not the only match-winner in the United team but he’s certainly the most reliable. Striker Rasmus Hojlund is without a goal in 20 games and he had a public spat with Diogo Dalot last week when his team-mate failed to pass to him when he was in a position to shoot. Hojlund desperately needs a goal and, alongside Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho he can take some weight from his captain’s shoulders; but Fernandes will take matters into his own hands if he needs to.

 

Zubimendi back for Sociedad

Sociedad didn’t get back to winning ways when they hosted Sevilla on Sunday, losing 1-0, but the Europa League 2025 news La Real fans were hoping for was the return of midfield maestro Martin Zubimendi after he missed the Europa League first leg through illness. Alguacil made eight changes for the mid-table league clash, which shows just how much he prioritises the match against the Red Devils, but he did give Zubimendi some minutes and the 26 year old La Roja star came through with no problems.

The return of Zubimendi is a huge boost as the defensive midfielder will keep tabs on Fernandes while club captain Oyarzabal will be a constant threat as he pulls the strings in attack. The Basque team have some quality players with international experience, including attacking midfielder Brais Mendez and young winger Ander Barrenetxea, and with so much at stake they will be keen to put on a show for their travelling fans.        

 

History

With three wins, three draws and a single defeat the Red Devils have thrived against the Basque team, but there have been few goals in the most recent meetings. Prior to last week’s 1-1 draw four of the previous five games yielded one goal or fewer, two 0-0 draws and a 1-0 victory for each team.     

Neither club is enjoying life at the moment with only three wins between them over the past six games, United winning one, drawing three and losing two, while Sociedad have won two, drawn one and lost three, though two of those defeats were at the hands of Barcelona and Real Madrid.        

 

Betting Tip

The Red Devils are at SBOTOP odds of 1.81 to win this tie and make it through to the quarter finals, while a Draw is priced at 2.98 and a Sociedad victory is available at 3.81.

Another 1-1 draw is available at 6.08 and I suspect that won’t be far from the mark in another highly competitive tussle.

   

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