Manchester United’s season hangs by a thread as they prepare for Thursday’s Europa League last-16 first-leg clash against Real Sociedad in San Sebastian. With their FA Cup hopes dashed by Fulham and Premier League form languishing in 14th place, the competition represents their final shot at silverware and a potential lifeline to next season’s Champions League. For manager Ruben Amorim, the pressure is mounting to deliver a performance that reignites belief in a campaign steeped in disaster.
Team News
United’s injury crisis shows no signs of easing. Defender Harry Maguire and midfielder Manuel Ugarte are doubts after picking up knocks in the FA Cup defeat, joining a lengthy absentee list that includes Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, and Amad Diallo. Teenage striker Chido Obi-Martin is ineligible, having been excluded from the Europa League squad as he wasn’t registered for the competition. On a brighter note, left-back Patrick Dorgu is available despite a domestic suspension and could make his European debut.
Real Sociedad welcomes back winger Takefusa Kubo after a La Liga ban, while highly rated midfielder, Martin Zubimendi is expected to start despite recent discomfort. However, injuries rule out defenders Jon Pacheco and Arsen Zakharyan, leaving manager Imanol Alguacil with defensive alterations to make. Hamari Traore’s return from a long-term knee injury adds depth, but Sociedad’s backline looked vulnerable in Sunday’s 4-0 thrashing by Barcelona.
Form Guide
United’s domestic struggles contrast sharply with their Europa League resilience. Amorim’s men remain unbeaten in Europe as they topped their group with five wins after a sloppy start to their European campaign. Manchester United looked comfortable in their group stage games and will be taking the confidence of doing well into the crucial Round of 16 game. However, despite a robust campaign so far, Amorim will be concerned with his strike force upfront, as United are lacking goals. Recently, Chido Obi has been coming into the team and showed signs of life in an otherwise dull attack. The forward won’t be available as he wasn’t registered for the game, something United didn’t anticipate that they would need him to spearhead their attack amid barren forwards and injury concerns.
Sociedad, ninth in La Liga, have been inconsistent in Spain but dangerous in Europe. They cruised past FC Midtjylland 7-3 on aggregate in the playoffs and boast a strong home record, with four wins in five Europa League games at home. However, recent Real Madrid and Barcelona defeats exposed defensive vulnerabilities against high-pressing sides. It will be interesting to see how Amorim exploits this as his side struggles with goals and consistent pressing off the ball.
The two sides have met six times so far, of which Manchester United has lost just once. Despite the record going United’s way, Real Sociedad were winners at Old Trafford, making their case as the outside favourites in the game. With both teams desperate for European success to salvage their poor domestic seasons, a win will be crucial.
How to Watch
• Kick-off Time: 17:45 GMT (18:45 local time), 6th March 2025, Reale Arena, San Sebastian
• UK: TNT Sports (live broadcast)
• US: Paramount+ (live stream)