Manchester United v Real Sociedad is a match valid for the first day of the Europa League group stage and is played on Thursday at 21:00
MANCHESTER UNITED – REAL SOCIEDAD
The Europa League replays the challenge between Manchester United and Real Sociedad almost a year and a half later. The destinies of the English and Spanish teams also crossed paths in the 2020-21 edition, but they did so in the round of 16: relegated from the Champions League, the Red Devils easily made it through the round, closing the books in the first leg with a 0-4 win without appeal before drawing 0-0 at Old Trafford in the return leg. Just like then, they are again the number one favourites for the final victory and not only for a question of blazon. However, it will be the pitch that will do the talking: this is indeed a tough competition full of pitfalls, where predictions are often not respected. It is no coincidence that Manchester United two seasons ago surrendered in the final in Gdansk to Villarreal.
The club from San Sebastian, orphaned by the Swedish centre forward Isak in the last days of the market (he moved to Newcastle), will try to challenge Erik ten Hag’s team for the first place: Omonia Nicosia and Sheriff Tiraspol will do their best not to play the role of extras in this group, but they will probably end up competing for the third place, a ‘parachute’ that will allow them to relegate to the Conference League.
There is curiosity as to what Manchester United’s approach to the competition might be. What is certain is that the Red Devils have managed to immediately put behind them their disastrous start, characterised by two defeats in a row against Brighton and Brentford. The former Ajax coach has made a few adjustments – Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer a starter – and has racked up four consecutive successes against Liverpool, Southampton, Leicester and Arsenal, bringing himself just three points behind the Gunners. Real Sociedad’s run in La Liga has been shaky: their only defeat (1-4) came against Barcelona, while in the last round the Basques stopped Atletico Madrid of ‘Cholo’ Simeone at 1-1. Defender Le Normand will be missing in the cup match, but new centre-forward Sadiq will start from the first day. In United, both Casemiro and Ronaldo will find space.
The Prediction
Real Sociedad is a solid and organised team, with some interesting individuality from the midfield upwards. They could be a nuisance – at least initially – to Manchester United, who will take advantage of this to give minutes to those who have played with the dropper, in any case in the long run the greater quality of the English should come out. Red Devils favourites in a match in which they are likely to score both
Manchester United v Real Sociedad likely line-upsMANCHESTER UNITED
- MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Dubravka; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Elanga; Cristiano Ronaldo.
- REAL SOCIEDAD (4-3-1-2): Remiro; Gorosabel, Zubeldia, Elustondo, Munoz; Mendez, Zubimendi, Merino; Silva; Sadiq, Sorloth.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
