Prediction: Manchester United vs Real Sociedad – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts

Verdict: Bruno Fernandes over 0.5 shots on target

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

With a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders in midweek, Manchester United will welcome Real Sociedad to Old Trafford for their second-leg showdown on Thursday night.

Manchester United

Starting with the hosts, suffering a second-half collapse on foreign soil last week as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate in the Basque Country, Manchester United have a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders here. Although there might have been plenty of excitement around Old Trafford following Ruben Amorim’s arrival back in November, the former Sporting Lisbon boss has failed to offer any kind of stability. Forced to settle for another 1-1 draw at home against historic rivals Arsenal last weekend, United have notched just a single victory from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Watching their FA Cup adventure come to a shock end earlier in the month as they fell to a penalties defeat at the hands of Fulham, Thursday’s hosts are bracing themselves for what is a season-defining showdown in midweek.

Manchester United Team News

Dealing with what has become a stacked injury list at Old Trafford, Manchester United will once again be without the likes of Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Lisandro Martinez. However, despite currently serving a domestic suspension, January recruit Patrick Dorgu should make a full return at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

Finding the net against Arsenal last weekend and now notching three goals in his previous five appearances across all competitions, Bruno Fernandes will play a leading role here. Failing to notch a single strike since the middle of December Rasmus Hojlund could be forced to settle for a spot on the bench.

Real Sociedad

As for the visitors, missing out on the chance to claim a Europa League first-leg advantage last week, Real Sociedad have a real battle on their hands here. Dropping out the top-half of the La Liga table, Imanol Alguacil’s side have continued to show some glaring issues this season. Failing to pick up a much-welcomed boost last weekend as they slumped to a 1-0 loss at the hands of Sevilla, the Basque-based outfit have also gained an unwanted reputation for their glaring issues away from the Reale Arena. Last seen on their travels falling to a woeful 4-0 drumming against Barcelona, Thursday’s guests have now lost five of their previous six showdowns outside of the Basque Country. It should also be highlighted, Sociedad have notched just a single goal across any competition in 370 minutes of action.

Manchester United vs Real Sociedad Team News

Although Aritz Elustondo might be currently serving a La Liga suspension, the 30-year-old will return to Sociedad’s travelling squad on Thursday night. However, all still dealing with respective injury issues, Alguacil’s squad will once again be unable to call upon the likes of Alvaro Odriozola, Jon Pacheco and Arsenal Zakharyan.

Making a speedy return from a minor knock, West Ham loanee Nayef Aguerd will once again partner Igor Zubeldia at the back. Converting from the penalty spot last week and now finding the net in back-to-back Europa League appearances, Mikel Oyarzabal will lead the line.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Manchester United and Real Sociedad met for their first-leg showdown in the Basque Country last week, Thursday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate.
• The Red Devils have recorded just a single win from any of their last six appearances across all competitions.
• Real Sociedad have lost five of their previous six appearances away from the Reale Arena.
• Manchester United have failed to record a single clean sheet at Old Trafford since a 4-0 romp against Everton on December 1st.
• Bruno Fernandes has recorded three goals in his previous five appearances across all competitions.

Conclusion

Returning to Old Trafford on Thursday night, Manchester United will be more than aware that they face a season-defining showdown here. Firmly placing all of their eggs in the Europa League basket, Amorim’s men will meet a Sociedad squad that have continued to show some glaring issues away from the Reale Arena. With the Spanish outfit losing five of their previous six showdowns outside the Basque Country, United should be smelling a real opportunity in midweek.

Verdict: Bruno Fernandes over 0.5 shots on target

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: Olympusbet