Real Sociedad Aim to Deepen Manchester United’s Woes in Europa League Clash

Posted : 05 March 2025

Real Sociedad are eager to shift focus from their domestic struggles as they prepare to face Manchester United in the Europa League last-16 clash on Thursday. The Basque club will host the first leg in San Sebastian before traveling to Old Trafford for the return fixture.

Their recent 4-0 defeat to Barcelona highlighted their difficulties in LaLiga, but they were hampered by injuries and an early red card. Coach Imanol Alguacil remains optimistic, urging his players to move on from that setback and concentrate on the crucial European encounter.

Currently sitting ninth in LaLiga, Real Sociedad see the Europa League as their best shot at silverware, much like their opponents, who were knocked out of the FA Cup by Fulham on penalties. They are also in the Copa del Rey semifinals but must overturn a 1-0 deficit against Real Madrid in April.

Adding further motivation, the Europa League final will take place at the home of their fierce rivals, Athletic Bilbao. The return of key players such as Mikel Oyarzabal and Luka Sucic from injury, along with the availability of Takefusa Kubo after suspension, provides a much-needed boost for the Spanish side.

Manchester United enter the fixture in a troubled state, with just two wins in their last six matches and mounting injury concerns. Manager Ruben Amorim faces selection headaches, including the absence of teenage striker Chido Obi, leaving out-of-form Rasmus Hojlund as the likely starter.

Despite their struggles, Bruno Fernandes remains wary of Real Sociedad's technical quality, emphasizing the need for his team to match their opponents' intensity. With United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, success in the Europa League may be their only realistic route back into European competition next season.

Adding to the tension, United’s struggles on the pitch are fueling frustration off it, with fans planning a protest against the Glazer family’s ownership on Sunday. Supporters' group The 1958 has issued a damning statement, criticizing the club’s financial mismanagement and declining fortunes.

The protests reflect growing unrest among fans who believe the club is being driven to ruin under the current ownership. A defeat to Real Sociedad would only amplify the pressure on both Amorim and the club’s leadership, making Thursday’s clash a high-stakes affair.

Real Sociedad Aim to Deepen Manchester United’s Woes in Europa League Clash

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