Real Sociedad vs Manchester United

Reale Arena forms the backdrop for the first leg of a heavyweight Europa League last-16 tie between Real Sociedad and Manchester United.

Real Sociedad won both legs against Midtjylland in the knockout playoff round via an aggregate score of 8-3 to set up their third Europa League tie against Manchester United in five years. However, history doesn’t favor them here, considering they’ve failed to get on the scoresheet in three previous H2Hs as the designated home side (D1, L2). Back-to-back defeats without scoring against Barcelona and Real Madrid don’t bode well either. Manager Imanol Alguacil should still be confident about defying that unwanted trend this midweek, knowing his men have got on the scoresheet in all ten Europa League outings this season. Furthermore, the Basque giants have only lost twice in their last 14 home matches across all competitions (W11, D1), including four straight victories in this competition.

Manchester United’s miserable campaign ahead of this trip to San Sebastian hit a new low as Fulham dumped them out of the FA Cup on penalties. Already out of the League Cup and stranded in the Premier League’s lower reaches, the Red Devils view the Europa League as the only chance to salvage some pride this season. However, three losses from their last six competitive games (W2, D1) can inspire much confidence. With the pressure growing on Ruben Amorim, Man Utd can turn to their promising return of just one defeat from their last seven away European encounters against Spanish opposition (W5, D2).