UEFA Europa League: Manchester United vs Real Sociedad Preview – March 13, 2025

UEFA Europa League: Manchester United vs Real Sociedad Preview – March 13, 2025



The UEFA Europa League Round of 16 continues with a fascinating encounter between Manchester United and Real Sociedad at Old Trafford on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

Manchester United, under Erik ten Hag, are aiming for European silverware after failing to progress in the Champions League group stage. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad are eager to continue their impressive European campaign and eliminate one of the tournament favorites.

Will Manchester United’s home advantage and attacking firepower be enough to secure a place in the quarter-finals? Or can Real Sociedad produce a stunning away performance and cause an upset at Old Trafford?

 

Match Details

  • Fixture: Manchester United vs Real Sociedad
  • Competition: UEFA Europa League – Round of 16 (2nd Leg)
  • Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
  • Kick-Off Time: 21:00 CET / 20:00 GMT / 16:00 ET
  • Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
  • First Leg Result: TBD
  • Broadcast & Live Stream:
    • UK: TNT Sports, Discovery+
    • US: CBS Sports, Paramount+
    • Europe: DAZN, Canal+
    • Worldwide: UEFA Europa League official broadcasters

 

Team News & Injury Updates

Manchester United

Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United have been inconsistent this season but remain one of the strongest teams in the competition. With attacking quality and defensive resilience, they are looking to make a statement in the Europa League.

Injuries/Suspensions:

  • Lisandro Martรญnez – Out (injury)
  • Casemiro – Doubtful (minor knock)
  • Antony – Fit but may not start
  • Luke Shaw – Out (hamstring injury)

Key Players:

  • Bruno Fernandes – The creative force behind United’s attack.
  • Marcus Rashford – Pace and finishing make him a constant threat.
  • Rasmus Hรธjlund – A physical presence up front who can trouble Real Sociedad’s defense.

 




Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad have been impressive this season, blending tactical discipline with attacking flair. They will be confident of causing an upset if they can execute their counter-attacking strategy effectively.

Injuries/Suspensions:

  • Takefusa Kubo – Doubtful (muscle injury)
  • Mikel Oyarzabal – Fit and expected to start
  • Brais Mรฉndez – Suspended

Key Players:

  • Mikel Merino – Controls the midfield with his passing and vision.
  • Mikel Oyarzabal – The team’s main attacking threat and goal-scorer.
  • David Silva – The veteran playmaker still has the ability to influence big games.

 

Possible Lineups

Manchester United (4-2-3-1 Formation):

  • Goalkeeper: Andrรฉ Onana
  • Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Raphaรซl Varane, Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia
  • Midfielders: Casemiro, Christian Eriksen
  • Attacking Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford
  • Striker: Rasmus Hรธjlund

Real Sociedad (4-3-3 Formation):

  • Goalkeeper: รlex Remiro
  • Defenders: Hamari Traorรฉ, Igor Zubeldia, Robin Le Normand, Diego Rico
  • Midfielders: Mikel Merino, Martรญn Zubimendi, David Silva
  • Forwards: Takefusa Kubo (if fit), Mikel Oyarzabal, Ander Barrenetxea

 

Old Trafford – The Venue

Old Trafford, famously known as the "Theatre of Dreams," is one of the most iconic stadiums in world football. The history, atmosphere, and passionate United supporters create an intimidating setting for any visiting team.

  • Capacity: 74,310
  • Famous for: Electrifying European nights
  • Europa League record at home: Strong, with only a few losses in the past decade

Head-to-Head Record

  • Total Matches: 6
  • Manchester United Wins: 3
  • Real Sociedad Wins: 1
  • Draws: 2

Recent Meetings:

  • Real Sociedad 1-0 Manchester United (Europa League 2022-23 Group Stage)
  • Manchester United 0-0 Real Sociedad (Europa League 2022-23 Group Stage)
  • Manchester United 4-0 Real Sociedad (Europa League 2020-21 Round of 32)

Real Sociedad have given United problems in recent meetings, but the Red Devils remain favorites due to their superior squad depth.

 

Match Preview & Tactical Analysis

Manchester United’s Tactical Approach

  • High pressing and quick transitions to dominate possession.
  • Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen dictating play in midfield.
  • Exploiting Real Sociedad’s defense with pace on the wings.

Real Sociedad’s Strategy

  • Compact defensive shape to frustrate United’s attack.
  • Counter-attacking football using Kubo and Oyarzabal’s pace.
  • Controlling possession in midfield with Merino and Silva.

 

Key Battles to Watch

  1. Bruno Fernandes vs. Mikel Merino – A crucial midfield battle that will determine control of the game.
  2. Marcus Rashford vs. Hamari Traorรฉ – Rashford’s speed will test Sociedad’s right-back.
  3. Raphaรซl Varane vs. Mikel Oyarzabal – Can Varane keep Sociedad’s top scorer quiet?

Betting Odds & Predictions

  • Manchester United Win: 1.60
  • Real Sociedad Win: 5.50
  • Draw: 3.80

Score Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Real Sociedad (Manchester United win on aggregate)

With home advantage and superior attacking quality, United are expected to win and progress to the quarter-finals. However, Sociedad will not make it easy.

 

How to Watch the Match

United Kingdom:

  • TNT Sports
  • Discovery+

United States:

  • CBS Sports
  • Paramount+

Europe:

  • DAZN
  • Canal+

Global:

  • UEFA Europa League official broadcasters

 

Conclusion

This Europa League Round of 16 clash between Manchester United and Real Sociedad promises excitement, drama, and high-quality football. United are favorites to progress, but Sociedad have the potential to cause an upset if they execute their game plan effectively.

Can Manchester United’s attacking stars lead them to victory? Or will Real Sociedad pull off a shock result at Old Trafford?

Don’t miss the action on March 13, 2025!