Manchester United vs Real Sociedad Preview – Prediction, how to watch & potential line-ups

Manchester United will be hoping to continue their good form when they take on Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday night at Old Trafford. 

The Red Devils made a disappointing start to the 2022-23 season, losing their opening matches against Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford. 

However, they have made a remarkable turnaround since then as they have picked up four Premier League victories on the trot. 

Their latest win came last weekend against Arsenal who were boasting a 100 percent winning record before the match. 

However, Antony’s debut goal and Marcus Rashford’s quick-fire double secured a comfortable victory for the Manchester giants. They are currently fifth in the league standings, having 12 points from six matches. 

Meanwhile, Real Sociedad have had mixed results this season so far, with Imanol Alguacil’s side sitting ninth in the table after two wins from four matches. 

They were most recently in action against Atletico Madrid in La Liga, where they earned a 1-1 draw after Umar Sadiq’s second-half equaliser. 

The Spanish side lost Alexander Isak to Newcastle United in the summer transfer window but it looks they have found a good replacement in Sadiq. 

Match Preview

Manchester United

Manchester United have been unbeaten against Real Sociedad in their past four meetings in Europe. The Red Devils have won two matches against the White and Blues, with the remaining two ending in draws. 

 The Premier League outfit made it to the finals of the Europa League in 2021 but ultimately lost to Villarreal on penalties. They were playing in the Champions League last term where they suffered elimination in the round of 16 against Atletico Madrid. 

Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad will make their third successive appearance in the Europa League group stage this season. They made it to the knockouts of the European competition last term but suffered defeat at the hands of RB Leipzig in the last-32. 

The Spanish side also exited the tournament at the same point in the 2020-21 season, with United beating them on 4-0 aggregate. 

Team News

Facundo Pellistri and Anthony Martial are currently injured and so they will not be involved on Thursday. While the availability of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Donny van de Beek is also doubtful. 

Dutch boss Erik ten Hag is expected to make changes for this match as Harry Maguire, Casemiro and Cristiano Ronaldo will likely be included in the playing XI. 

Meanwhile, Real Sociedad are also dealing with a few injuries, with Martin Merquelanz, Mikel Oyarzabal and Carlos Fernandez all sidelined. While Robin Le Normand could also miss the upcoming game due to a stress fracture in his foot.  

Manchester United vs Real Sociedad Potential line-ups

Manchester United: Dubravka; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Fernandes, Elanga; Ronaldo

Real Sociedad: Remiro; Gorosabel, Zubeldia, Elustondo, Munoz; Mendez, Zubimendi, Merino; Silva; Sadiq, Sorloth

How to Watch?

Manchester United vs Real Sociedad, alongside all other Europa League matches this season, is available to watch online via live soccer streams.

Manchester United vs Real Sociedad Prediction

Real Sociedad are the toughest opponents for Manchester United in Group E. However, considering the quality and current form of United, it looks highly likely that Erik ten Hag’s side will easily pick up full points from the home encounter this week. 

Manchester United 2-0 Real Sociedad