Real Sociedad are eager to move past their recent struggles this season and inflict more woes on Premier League heavyweights Manchester United when they clash on Thursday in the Europa League Round of 16.
The Basque outfit welcomes Ruben Amorim’s beleaguered Red Devils to San Sebastian, with the return leg set for Old Trafford the following week.
Real Sociedad endured a heavy 4-0 defeat at the hands of La Liga leaders Barcelona on Sunday, a result that compounds a disappointing domestic campaign, though they were deprived of several key players and had a man sent off early in the match.
“That’s behind us now; we need to prepare as best as we can for Thursday’s encounter,” commented coach Imanol Alguacil.
Currently positioned ninth in La Liga, the Europa League represents their most promising chance of silverware this season—a sentiment echoed by United, who were eliminated from the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham on Sunday.
La Real also finds themselves in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, but after a narrow 1-0 home loss to Real Madrid in the first leg, they face a challenging road ahead before the return fixture in April.
With the Europa League final scheduled to take place at the venue of their fierce rivals Athletic Bilbao, Alguacil’s squad certainly has plenty of motivation.
“It definitely motivates Athletic, and it motivates us too,” said club spokesperson Xabi Prieto during the group stage draw in August.
Luka Sucic and Spain’s Euro 2024 final hero Mikel Oyarzabal are poised to return from injuries to face Manchester United, while lively winger Takefusa Kubo missed the loss at Barcelona due to suspension and will be raring to go for Thursday’s fixture.
In light of Aritz Elustondo’s early red card against Barcelona, Alguacil made strategic choices considering the matchup with Man United, notably substituting pivotal midfielder Martin Zubimendi at halftime due to discomfort.
“I aimed to minimise the risks for Thursday’s game, knowing it would be tough to garner anything positive against Barca,” Alguacil explained.
Real Sociedad failed to register a single shot compared to Barcelona’s 33 as they preserved their energy by adopting a defensive approach, ensuring their priority remains the upcoming United match.
‘Make them run’
Manchester United remains unbeaten in the Europa League this season, yet their visit to the Reale Arena presents arguably the most significant challenge they have faced in the competition thus far.
In addition to United’s lacklustre form, accumulating two wins from their last six fixtures, the under-pressure Amorim is grappling with a number of injury concerns.
Exciting young striker Chido Obi is also unavailable for the Europa League, whilst the low-on-confidence Rasmus Hojlund is expected to start despite not finding the net in his last 18 appearances.
“It’s going to be a tough match against a Spanish side that plays exceptional football, with very talented players up front and high-quality defenders,” remarked United midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
“We need to stay fresh to keep up with them as they’ll make us work hard, but when we get the ball, we have to make them run as well,” he added.
Success in the Europa League appears to be United’s only viable route to European football next season, as they currently languish in 14th place in the Premier League.
A defeat would heighten the tension before a planned protest on Sunday against the Glazer family, who continue to be the club’s majority owners.
“The club is slowly withering away before our eyes, both on and off the pitch, and the blame lies firmly with the current ownership structure,” stated Steve Crompton, a spokesperson for the fan group The 1958.
“The club is facing financial disaster. Debt is leading us towards ruin.”
“Sir Matt Busby would be turning in his grave at the current state of one of the world’s greatest football institutions, which is being brought to its knees and, in many ways, becoming a laughing stock.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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