Real Sociedad and Manchester United take a break from their respective frustrating domestic campaigns as they face off in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League (UEL) last-16 tie at the Reale Arena on Thursday.
After consecutive defeats to Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga, La Real will be desperate not only to halt their worrying slide but also to secure a strong first-leg result that puts them in a solid position to advance to the quarterfinals.
However, this may not be the turning point they’re hoping for, given their historic struggles at home against English opposition, failing to score in their last three encounters.
That said, there’s some welcome news on the squad front. Jon Aramburu and Martin Zubimendi return from suspension, while Nayef Aguerd and Takefusa Kubo—arguably La Real’s most dangerous attacker—return after missing the last game.
Kubo, in particular, will be one to watch for La Real, with his 3.33 shots per 90 minutes highlighting his status as their primary attacking threat. Meanwhile, Brais Mendez must step up in midfield, having struggled to win duels against dribblers and often coming out second-best in one-on-one situations.
Whether Manchester United will exploit Real Sociedad’s midfield problems remains to be seen, especially with the Red Devils arriving in Spain with a squad ravaged by injuries.
Their depleted ranks put their unbeaten record in this competition under serious threat, with Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Kobbie Mainoo all sidelined, while Harry Maguire is a doubt—potentially forcing Victor Lindelof into the starting XI, which is far from United’s most assured defensive pairing. However, Patrick Dorgu is available despite a domestic suspension, though Chido Obi is ineligible.
Despite these key absences, Reuben Amorim’s side can take confidence from their attacking record in the UEL—16 goals in 8 games, averaging 18.8 shots per match.
Keeping up those numbers, however, will require Rasmus Hojlund to rediscover his scoring touch. The Dane has now gone 18 games without a goal, but with five goals in eight UEL appearances, this could be where he ends his drought.
Betting Tips: Real Sociedad Win or Draw & Both Teams to Score; Takefusa Kubo 1+ Shots on Target; Rasmus Hojlund 1+ Shots on Target
06/03 18:45 Real Sociedad – Manchester United Real Sociedad Win or Draw & Both Teams to Score @ 2.35; Takefusa Kubo 1+ Shots on Target @ 1.93; Rasmus Hojlund 1+ Shots on Target @ 2.32 (Betano)
With all their key players available, Real Sociedad should revert to their favoured 4-1-4-1 formation, offering defensive stability while crowding the midfield to limit United’s attacking opportunities.
La Real need a positive result here, so expect them to be aggressive, pushing forward from the start. Given United’s injury crisis across multiple positions, the hosts should have the upper hand in this contest.
Real Sociedad may be struggling in La Liga and have a poor record against English opposition, but this injury-hit Manchester United side doesn’t look like the team to capitalise. At the very least, La Real should avoid defeat here.
With both teams struggling to keep clean sheets, we also expect goals at both ends.
Our recommended bet is the combo of Real Sociedad Win or Draw & Both Teams to Score at 2.35 odds on Betano.
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United - Real Sociedad Win or Draw & Both Teams to Score @ 2.35
Takefusa Kubo & Rasmus Hojlund 1+ Shots on Target
There’s also value in the players’ prop market, where we’re backing both Takefusa Kubo and Rasmus Hojlund to register at least one shot on target each.
Hojlund may be enduring a torrid goal drought, but it has to end eventually. Given his record in this competition, tonight could be the night. Even if he doesn’t score, his desperation to break the drought means he’s highly likely to test the keeper at least once.
Meanwhile, Kubo is La Real’s most potent attacking weapon, and with an average of 3.33 shots per 90 minutes, it’s more than likely he’ll hit the target.
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United - Takefusa Kubo 1+ Shots on Target @ 1.93For even greater value, combining all three bets using Betano’s bet builder: Real Sociedad Win or Draw & Both Teams to Score + Takefusa Kubo 1+ Shots + Rasmus Hojlund 1+ Shots on Target — gives you a massive 7.90 odds.
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United - Bet Builder: Real Sociedad Win or Draw + Both Teams to Score + Takefusa Kubo 1+ Shots + Rasmus Hojlund 1+ Shots on TargetPossible Lineups:
- Real Sociedad: Remiro (GK); Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Munoz; Sucic, Zubimendi, Mendez; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea
- Manchester United: Onana (GK); De Ligt, Lindelof, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Garnacho, Fernandes; Zirkzee
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