Manchester United vs Real Sociedad preview: How to watch on TV, live stream, team news & prediction
Manchester United welcome Real Sociedad to Old Trafford for the second leg of their Europa League last 32 tie on Thursday, having thumped their opponents 4-0 in the first leg.
The two sides met in Turin for Sociedad's 'home' leg and two goals from Bruno Fernandes, followed by strikes by Marcus Rashford and Daniel James, were enough to secure a huge lead. The Red Devils have since beaten Newcastle at home, overcoming a shaky start to come away with a convincing 3-1 win to move into second place in the Premier League
La Real responded with an impressive 4-0 home win over Alaves in La Liga, made possible by a hat-trick from Alexander Isak, but Imanol Alguacil will know his side face a near impossible task to overcome the deficit.
Here's 90min's preview of the game
How to watch Man Utd vs Real Sociedad on tv
When is the match? Thursday 25 February
What time is kick-off? 20:00 GMT
Where is it being played? Old Trafford
TV Channel: BT Sport 1 (UK)
Referee: Lawrence Visser (BEL)
VAR: Kevin Blom (NED)
Man Utd team news
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already confirmed their will be changes made to his side, with one eye on the upcoming game with Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Young stars Amad Diallo and Shola Shoretire won't start, however, while Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek and Edinson Cavani are doubts through injury. Paul Pogba is out for the remainder of February, but their could be an appearance for Ethan Galbraith - who has been added to United's Europa League squad.
Asked if Shoretire & Diallo would start for #MUFC v Sociedad, Solskjaer said: "Probably not Shola & Amad, no. I'm not sure if that would be fair on them. They'll be in the squad. Donny, Edinson, Scott, I don't know. Maybe they'll be available, I'm not sure. I hope (they will be)"
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) February 21, 2021
Real Sociedad are without Miguel Moya, Luca Sangalli, Joseba Zaldua and Aritz Elustondo, all of whom are injured, but their will be returns to Manchester for Adnan Januzaj and David Silva - who previously played for United and City respectively.
Predicted Man Utd/Real Sociedad lineups
Manchester United: Henderson; Williams, Bailly, Tuanzebe, Telles; Fred, Matic; Greenwood, Mata, James; Martial
Real Sociedad: Remiro; Gorosabel, Zubeldia, Normand, Monreal; Illaramendi, Merino, Silva; Januzaj, Isak, Oyarzabal
Recent form
Manchester United
Man Utd 3-1 Newcastle (21/02)
Real Sociedad 0-4 Man Utd (18/02)
West Brom 1-1 Man Utd (14/02)
Man Utd 1-0 West Ham (AET) (09/02)
Man Utd 3-3 Everton (06/02)
Alexander Isak scores again! ?
— Premier Sports ? (@PremierSportsTV) February 21, 2021
That's 7 in 6, and 6 consecutive LaLiga games with a goal for the young Swede ? pic.twitter.com/pRHIULTRH5
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad 4-0 Alaves (21/02)
Real Sociedad 0-4 Man Utd (18/02)
Getafe 0-1 Real Sociedad (14/02)
Real Sociedad 4-1 Cadiz (07/02)
Villarreal 1-1 Real Sociedad (30/01)
Man Utd vs Real Sociedad prediction
It's pretty evident that Manchester United should go through here barring an absolute disasterclass, after opening Real Sociedad up time and time again in the first leg.
That said, Solskjaer is likely to rotate his side heavily, which will undoubtedly see the quality of play drop. There will be opportunities in behind for United to counter, as Real Sociedad will have to push forward from the get go.
The visitors may get on the scoresheet, but United have enough quality to pick off their opponents - and could come away with a narrow win in a game that's unlikely to be a classic.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Real Sociedad