Manchester United will attempt to salvage something from their miserable 2024/25 season when they head to Real Sociedad for the first leg of a UEFA Europa League Round of 16 tie.
Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils were eliminated by Fulham on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Sunday. That result ended their defence of the trophy and removed their only realistic prospect of qualifying for European football next season through their domestic efforts, with United 10 points outside the Premier League’s top seven with 11 games to play.
Real Sociedad were thrashed 4-0 in La Liga by Barcelona last weekend, an early red card for Aritz Elustondo effectively ending the contest inside 20 minutes. That followed a 1-0 loss to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinal first leg.
La Real have had a mixed season but have only failed to win three home games since the end of October. United boast the only remaining unbeaten record in the Europa League this term and have won on their past two visits to this ground, but this represents a huge test.
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Real Sociedad vs. Man United lineups, predicted starting 11, team news
Takefusa Kubo was banned for the loss to Barca but should return to the lineup here. Mikel Oyarzabal and Luka Sucic both trained on Monday, and Hamari Traore came off the bench last weekend after around six months out with a knee injury.
Arsen Zakharyan is expected to sit this game out, but Sheraldo Becker and Nayef Aguerd will hope to be available.
Real Sociedad predicted lineup (4-1-4-1, right to left): Remiro (GK) — Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Munoz — Zubimendi — Kubo, Mendez, Sucic, Barrenetxea — Oyarzabal
Injured: Becker, Aguerd, Zakharyan (all doubts)
Suspended: None
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United will have Patrick Dorgu available, the wingback having missed the Fulham game due to a domestic suspension, but that’s where the good news ends for Amorim.
Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt both suffered knocks in that game at Old Trafford and are doubts for the visit to San Sebastian. With fellow defenders Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans also out, the back line is potentially looking threadbare.
Toby Collyer could be available, but Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo are still out, as is long-term absentee Mason Mount. Young defender Ayden Heaven can play in the Europa League, but teenage striker Chido Obi is not eligible for the competition.
Man United predicted lineup (3-4-2-1, right to left): Onana (GK) — Mazraoui, Yoro, Lindelof — Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu — Zirkzee, Garnacho — Hojlund
Injured: Martinez (knee), Amad (ankle), Shaw (undisc.), Mainoo (muscle), Collyer (undisc.), Mount (thigh), Bayindir (undisc.), Evans (back), Maguire (knock, doubt), De Ligt (knock, doubt)
Suspended: None
Real Sociedad vs. Man United live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this Europa League match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
