Manchester United’s season wobbles on a knife-edge as they host Real Sociedad in Thursday’s Europa League last-16 decider. After a 1-1 first-leg stalemate in San Sebastian, the Red Devils must conquer Sociedad at Old Trafford to keep their Champions League hopes alive for the next season. For Ruben Amorim, it’s a chance to salvage a grim campaign after a horrific season headlined by their devastating 14th position in the league.
Team News
United’s injury crisis refuses to relent. Defensive linchpin Leny Yoro, substituted at halftime against Arsenal with a foot issue, is set to miss the game while former captain Harry Maguire is also not available. Teenager Ayden Heaven, who impressed in his Premier League debut, could start ahead of Lindelof. Manuel Ugarte’s potential return bolsters a midfield missing Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro’s fading legs.
Lisandro Martinez (ACL), Luke Shaw (foot), and Amad Diallo (ankle) are long-term absences, while Harry Maguire’s back problem sidelines him again. Patrick Dorgu, suspended domestically, is eligible to play to give some respite to Amorim in the crucial game.
Sociedad welcome back midfield anchor Martin Zubimendi after illness. The Spain international’s duel with Bruno Fernandes could decide the tie. Ex-West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd marshals a backline that’s conceded just twice in four Europa away games this term. Real Sociedad is expected to have a complete squad for the game with no new injuries reported.
Old Trafford’s Impact
United’s home Europa record inspires cautious optimism with 21 wins, six draws, one loss in their last 28 games at the Theatre of Dreams. The sole defeat? A 1-0 upset by Sociedad in 2022. They come back again to test United at their turf with the last eight in sight.
Fernandes, with 10 goals and 10 assists in the competition, remains United’s talisman. His creativity will be essential if United are to open any robust Sociedad defence.
Clash of the Tactics
Sociedad’s compact 4-3-3 thrives on suffocating transitions. Zubimendi’s positioning will test Fernandes’ freedom, while Mikel Oyarzabal, who equalized from the spot in the first leg, hunts gaps between United’s wing-backs and center-backs. Sociedad will be wary of their poor form against Premier League sides as they have just 1 win in 9 games against English opposition.
United’s set-pieces could prove decisive. Amorim is expected to field the usual 3-4-3 to thrive on his wing backs' support in the final third. For Amorim, the Europa League is a life line to ease some pressure off a miserable domestic campaign.
How to Watch
• UK: TNT Sports 1/Ultimate, Discovery+ (8pm GMT).
• US: Paramount+ (4 pm ET).
Prediction
Despite an injury-stricken squad, United will take inspiration from their last game against Arsenal where they came close to a winner. With the domestic season already over, Amorim will be eyeing Europe with a win. Red Devils Dispatch predicts a nervy 1-0 win for United to progress through.