REAL SOCIEDAD – MANCHESTER UNITED | Thursday 6.45pm
Real Sociedad have won them all so far. Manchester United, making their Europa League debut, have only lost to the Spaniards at home. Well, two qualified teams vying for the first place in the group, the one that would avoid a play-off with a team relegated from the Champions League. And obviously there is a favourite, the home side, playing for two results out of three. But it is not a foregone conclusion that the Red Devils will not be able to pull off the coup, as the ten Hag-led team seems to be on the upswing. In fact, they are on the upswing, coming off eight straight useful results with six wins in this long spell.
Now, there is very little doubt that the English side have the quality to take a win – with two goals to spare – to secure top spot in the group. Not least because Alguacil’s men have lost twice in their last three challenges. Such a moment that has distanced the Spaniards from the areas that count in the Spanish league table. Such a moment that Manchester United could exploit to the full, win, and perhaps gain the main gateway to the round of 16 of the EL. In short, if Real Sociedad can play on two out of three results to win the grouping, it seems far more likely that Manchester United could pull off the external coup and overtake the Spaniards in the group on the final day. It would also be an important confidence boost for the English team’s European journey and beyond.
Ten Hag
The Prediction
A match that Manchester United should be able to take home. Perhaps by confirming – and it would be appropriate – that defensive focus seen in recent outings. Two goals, then, the English team can easily score them. That’s why it might not only be an away win, but also a turnaround in the standings on the final day.
Real Sociedad-Manchester United’s likely line-up
- REAL SOCIEDAD (4-1-3-2): Remiro; Gorosabel, Le Normand, Pacheco, Rico; Zubimendi; Mendez, Marin, Merino; Fernandez, Sorloth.
- MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): de Gea; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen; Elanga, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Ronaldo.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 0-2
