Europe - Europa League
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Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Prediction & Picks - Europa League
by Stephen Abiola | in Soccer Picks
Real Sociedad and Man United will go head to head in Leg 1 of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 on Thursday evening at Anoeta. Both teams will want to gain an advantage in this matchup ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford on Thursday next week. Real Sociedad have been impressive throughout their European adventure, defeating Midtjylland 7-3 on aggregate to seal their spot in the knockout rounds. Imanol Alguacil's men are certainly a threat to anyone in this competition.
Man United, on the other hand, comes into this matchup with the 'big boy' status and a point to prove. The Red Devils are struggling in their domestic league, and the only way to play in the Champions League next season is to lift the UEFA Europa League. They have shown flashes of improvement under Ruben Amorin, who is known for his high-pressing football. However, the jury is still out on whether it was wise to replace their head coach midway through the season
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Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Form
Real Sociedad and Manchester United Latest Matches
3/6 (50%)
0/6 (0%)
3/6 (50%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Mar 2, 2025 - LaLiga
Feb 26, 2025 - Copa del Rey
Feb 23, 2025 - LaLiga
Feb 20, 2025 - Europa League
Feb 16, 2025 - LaLiga
Feb 13, 2025 - Europa League
5/6 (83%)
0/6 (0%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Feb 26, 2025 - Copa del Rey
Feb 23, 2025 - LaLiga
Feb 20, 2025 - Europa League
Feb 9, 2025 - LaLiga
Feb 6, 2025 - Copa del Rey
Jan 30, 2025 - Europa League
1/6 (17%)
0/6 (0%)
5/6 (83%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Mar 2, 2025 - LaLiga
Feb 16, 2025 - LaLiga
Feb 13, 2025 - Europa League
Feb 2, 2025 - LaLiga
Jan 23, 2025 - Europa League
Jan 19, 2025 - LaLiga
2/6 (33%)
2/6 (33%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Mar 2, 2025 - FA Cup
Feb 26, 2025 - Premier League
Feb 22, 2025 - Premier League
Feb 16, 2025 - Premier League
Feb 7, 2025 - FA Cup
Feb 2, 2025 - Premier League
3/6 (50%)
1/6 (17%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Mar 2, 2025 - FA Cup
Feb 26, 2025 - Premier League
Feb 7, 2025 - FA Cup
Feb 2, 2025 - Premier League
Jan 23, 2025 - Europa League
Jan 19, 2025 - Premier League
2/6 (33%)
3/6 (50%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Feb 22, 2025 - Premier League
Feb 16, 2025 - Premier League
Jan 30, 2025 - Europa League
Jan 26, 2025 - Premier League
Jan 12, 2025 - FA Cup
Jan 5, 2025 - Premier League
Real Sociedad against Manchester United : Head to Head (H2H)
25 %
25 %
50 %
Average stats (last H2H results)
Nov 3, 2022 - Europa League
Sep 8, 2022 - Europa League
Feb 25, 2021 - Europa League
Feb 18, 2021 - Europa League
Real Sociedad - Manchester United: Form Analysis
Real Sociedad has been excellent in the Europa League so far. The Basque outfit amassed 13 points in the group stage of this competition, winning four matches, drawing one, and losing three. They have displayed their attacking prowess in the continental stage, which was evident against Midtjylland when they won 5-2 in the second round. However, they are coming off a heavy 4-0 loss against Barcelona last weekend, with Aritz Elustondo getting a red card in the 17th minute. This result could dent their confidence.
Like Real Sociedad, the Red Devils also enjoyed a successful campaign in the group stage of this competition.
Man U bagged 18 points after winning five and drawing three of their assignments. This means United has not tasted defeat in the Europa League, a record they'll fight to protect on Thursday. They crashed out of the FA Cup last weekend after losing to Fulham on penalties. This result could allow them to concentrate on their European assignments and improve their uninspiring position in the league.
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Manchester United v Real Sociedad last Lineups
Formation : 4 - 4 - 2
Formation : 3 - 4 - 2 - 1
Missing players
J. Pacheco
A. Odriozola
A. Bayindir
DefenderL. Shaw
J. Evans
L. Martinez
MidfielderM. Mount
A. Diallo
T. Collyer
K. Mainoo
Real Sociedad & Manchester United Squad Analysis
Alex Ramiro should keep his place in goal for Real Sociedad despite conceding 10 goals in seven Europa League starts for Sociedad. Aritz Elustondo should be available to start after getting a red card against Barcelona last weekend. Martin Zubimendi, who has been a standout performer in recent seasons, should dictate the pace of the game from midfield. Takefusa Kubo, who is the top scorer for Real Sociedad (5 goals) in the league this season, will lead the attack alongside Ander Barrenetxea, who has 3 goals in eight Europa League games. However, Alvaro Adriozola is doubtful for this matchup after missing their last league assignment.
Man U will be without the likes of Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez.
Man United, meanwhile, has seen their loan players shine after leaving the club in January. They loaned out Anthony to Real Betis and Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa during the winter transfer window. This has left United a little thin in attack, with players like Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Holjlund failing to score consistently. United is also sweating on the fitness of Harry Maguire, who suffered a knock against Fulham last weekend. Rookie striker, Chido Obi-Martin, was not registered in time to play this competition after joining United from Arsenal late last year.
Most goals and assists
Real Sociedad
Manchester United
T. Kubo
(7 Goals)
, 
O. Oskarsson
(7 Goals)
, 
M. Oyarzabal
(7 Goals)
A. Diallo
(9 Goals)
, 
B. Fernandes
(9 Goals)
B. Mendez
(4 Assists)
,
S. Gomez
(4 Assists)
B. Fernandes
(12 Assists)
Real Sociedad and Manchester United Stats in Europa League
Real Sociedad - Manchester United Key Points
- Real Sociedad won five of their last six home games.
- Man United lost only once in their last five games.
- Both teams scored in four of the last five Man United games.
- Over 2.5 goals were scored in six of the previous seven Man United games.
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Our Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Prediction
This will be an intriguing matchup, with both teams eager to avoid defeat. Real Sociedad's impressive home form in recent matches and ability to bounce back from losses should give them an edge. Man United is struggling with a long list of injuries and misfiring strikers, so the Spaniards should fancy their chances on Thursday. However, United can be dangerous when they stick to Amorin's playbook and have lost only once in the last five meetings with Real Sociedad. In fact, the home side has only won once in their previous six clashes with United. We expect them to try and improve this record on Thursday. Our prediction for Real Sociedad vs Man United: Over 2.5 goals at full-time.
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United - Other Interesting Picks
Both teams to score.
In their recent encounters, Real Sociedad has struggled to break down Man United's defense. They have found the back of the net once, which was in the Europa League's 1-0 win in 2022. Interestingly, both teams did not score in their last six clashes. We expect this record to end on Thursday now that United are struggling for form. Our secondary prediction is, therefore, for both teams to score.
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