The Europa League stage is now set for the round of 16 as today’s draw confirmed Real Sociedad to face Manchester United. United is scheduled to play the first leg on March 6 in Spain, with the return leg set to take place at Old Trafford on March 13. This game will be the third meeting between the two sides in the competition over the past five seasons, with United losing the last game 1-0 at home to Real Sociedad.
Real Sociedad are going through a mixed season in La Liga, where they currently sit 11th in the league. Concerns over a bad form are also there as they have won just one game in their last five league games. However, they are having a good season in Europe with their most recent victory being a 5-0 thumping of Midtjylland in the group stage. Meanwhile United are going through a rough phase of their own as they sit at 15th in the league after a disappointing start to their season.
For Manchester United, the Europa League represents perhaps their best opportunity to end a trophy drought this season. Although their domestic form remains a concern, the Red Devils have shown flashes of their old self in Europe, after lifting the competition in 2017. However, United has struggled for consistency at home in the competition as they have not won any of their three home games in the Europa League against opponents from the Basque Country – with previous encounters against Athletic Club and Real Sociedad ending in narrow defeats or goalless draws.
The tie against Sociedad will test Amorim’s tactical and the team’s resolve. United’s ability to turn around their fortunes on the European stage might hinge on which side shows up on the day. In previous seasons, Sociedad has troubled some of the league’s top teams when in form, yet they are known to be inconsistent and vulnerable to a spirited performance. Counting on the Europa League to salvage some pride from the season, Amorim will be hopeful of a good turnout from his side. Should United emerge victorious, they will progress to face the winners of the FCSB vs Lyon tie in the quarter-finals. United will be aiming to go as far as the final which takes place in Bilbao on May 21 as their only route to Europe next season as they look set to miss the European spots in the league table. For now, however, all eyes will be on the last-16 tie against Real Sociedad.