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ESPN
Mar 10, 2025, 03:46 PM
Manchester United host Real Sociedad in the second leg of their round-of-16 tie in the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League on Thursday.
The first leg ended 1-1 with goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Mikel Oyarzabal keeping things level as the teams arrive at Old Trafford.
In San Sebastian, United were the better team for the most part, but simply couldn't make the most of their possession, or their chances.
"I felt the team was in control of the game and after the goal we were so near to the second goal with transitions. You felt in the stadium they were nervous. But in the end, when momentum changes, we get tired more easily. We take the game to Old Trafford and try to win there," United coach Ruben Amorim said after the first leg.
Tiredness could well be a big issue for Amorim with his fit senior players racking up the minutes over the past few weeks after a series of injuries depleted the squad.
They showed resolve on Sunday with a determined draw against title-chasing Arsenal and they will bank on Real Sociedad's poor run of form continuing.
In their late Sunday kickoff at home against Sevilla, Sociedad struggled to create chances and lost 1-0. What will give them a boost, though, is the return of talisman Martin Zubimendi in midfield -- having missed the United game due to illness, he played the last half hour in LaLiga.
Which of the two struggling offensive units will click at Old Trafford? Here's everything you need to know ahead of Thursday's game.
How to watch:
The match will be available on TNT Sports 1 in the UK, Paramount+ in the United States and Sony LIV in India. You can also follow ESPN's live updates.
Key Details:
Date: Thursday, Mar 13 at 20:00 UK (16:00 ET; 01:30 IST on Friday)
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Referee: TBC
VAR: TBC
Team news:
Manchester United
Harry Maguire, D, knock, DOUBT
Altay Bayindir, G, undisclosed, DOUBT
Jonny Evans, D, undisclosed, DOUBT
Mason Mount, F/M, strain, OUT, estimated return Mar. 9
Luke Shaw, D, calf, OUT, estimated return Mar. 15
Tom Heaton, GK, muscle, OUT, expected return Mar. 15
Kobbie Mainoo, M, undisclosed, OUT, estimated return Apr. 1
Amad Diallo, F/M, ankle, OUT, estimated return Jun. 30
Lisandro Martínez, D, knee, OUT, estimated return Oct. 1
Real Sociedad
Alvaro Odriozola, D, undisclosed, DOUBT
Luka Sucic, M, knee, DOUBT
Jon Pacheco, D, muscle, OUT, estimated return Mar. 15
Arsen Zakharyan, M, thigh, OUT, estimated return Mar.30
Expected Lineups:
Real Sociedad
GK Alex Remiro
LB Javi Lopez | CB Igor Zubeldia | CB Aritz Elustondo | RB Jon Aramburu
DM Martin Zubimendi
LM Ander Barrenetxea | AM Brais Mendez | AM Pablo Marin | RM Takefusa Kuba
ST Mikel Oyarzabal
Manchester United
GK André Onana
CB Noussair Mazraoui | CB Matthijs de Ligt | CB Leny Yoro
LM Patrick Dorgu | CM Bruno Fernandes | CM Manuel Ugarte | RM Diogo Dalot
AM Alejandro Garnacho | AM Joshua Zirkzee
ST Rasmus Højlund
Stats:
Manchester United have the highest average possession in Europa League this season (59.3%). Real Sociedad are 17th with 52.0%.
Only Bodo/Glimt (23) and Galatasaray (22) have scored more than Real Sociedad (21) in the Europa League this season. However, Sociedad and Man United are both scoring at 1.9 goals per game (6th and 7th best in the competition).
Both teams have won only one of their last five matches in all competitions. Man United beat Ipswich 3-2 in the Premier League while Real Sociedad beat Leganes 3-0 in LaLiga (both home wins).
Latest news and analysis:
Man United could rue missed opportunities in Europa League
If United could score, this tie might have been over ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford next week. Instead, it's hanging in the balance and the Spanish side, who have their own problems finding the net, will head to Manchester with a belief they can reach the last eight of a major European competition for the first time since 1989.
Ruben Amorim lauds Alejandro Garnacho after Arsenal draw
The Argentina international was a constant threat for the visitors from the right wing. The 20-year-old won four fouls, more than any other player in the game, including the one that led to Bruno Fernandes's free-kick goal just before the break.
Manchester United need 'more' Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Amorim says
Ruben Amorim said Manchester United "need more Brunos" after captain Bruno Fernandes scored a first-half free kick and almost netted a late winner in a 1-1 Premier League draw against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.
