Manchester United hosts Real Sociedad after a 1-1 draw in Spain. Can Bruno Fernandes and the Red Devils save their dreadful season with European glory, or will Imanol Alguacil’s Real Sociedad take the honors?
Here is my Manchester United vs. Real Sociedad prediction and Europa League odds for today’s match.
Manchester United vs. Real Sociedad Pick, Odds, Prediction
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- Manchester United vs. Real Sociedad moneyline odds: Real Sociedad +333, Manchester United -111
- Manchester United vs. Real Sociedad over/under: 2.5 Goals (+120 Over , -150 Under )
- Manchester United vs. Real Sociedad pick: Manchester United to Win
I am backing Manchester United to Win in the Manchester United vs. Real Sociedad match.
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“Nothing can save our season,” head coach Ruben Amorim said when asked if success in the Europa League — and the UEFA Champions League spot it grants — was his team’s last chance to avoid an utterly bitter 2024-’25. Granted, he meant it as a message to fire up his players, claiming Manchester United has to compete on all fronts, but there was an eery resignation to his choice of words.
The Red Devils held a limping to a Arsenal 1-1 draw at Old Trafford over the weekend, but still sit 14th in the Premier League, a dismal 15 points off from fourth-placed Chelsea. Call it salvation or motivation, but the Europa League trophy is the only chance they’ve got to compete in Europe again next season.
Still, UEFA’s second-tier cup suits Manchester United fairly well. The Red Devils haven’t failed to reach the quarterfinal in the past four times they’ve competed. Amorim’s side is still unbeaten in this season’s tournament, with five wins and four draws. In fact, United are undefeated in their past 27 Europa League games at Old Trafford, with their last loss coming in September 2022 against Real Sociedad.
Injuries are still a big problem, however. Lisandro Martinez (knee), Amad Diallo (ankle), Kobbie Mainoo (calf), Luke Shaw (hamstring), Mason Mount (hamstring), Jonny Evans (muscle), Altay Bayindir (unspecified), Tom Heaton (unspecified) and Chido Obi-Martin (ineligible) are all out of contention. Youngster Leny Yoro (foot), Harry Maguire (knock) and Manuel Ugarte (knock) are doubtful.
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Alarms aren’t ringing as loud in San Sebastián as they are at Old Trafford, but I’m sure Alguacil wouldn’t mind “saving” his season with Europe League glory.
La Real had to go through the playoffs after finishing 13th in the league phase. They battered Danish side FC Midtjylland 7-3 on aggregate to progress.
That’s about where the good news ends for Sociedad, who are sitting 11th in La Liga following a 1-0 defeat against Sevilla on Sunday. It was their sixth defeat in eight La Liga games, including five away outings, putting them on pace for their worst league finish since 2018.
Alguacil’s team has struggled defensively away from San Sebastián as they haven’t kept a clean sheet in six away games and have conceded 10 goals.
On the bright side, there’s just a single player — Jon Pacheco (muscle) — confirmed out for Sociedad. Still, Luka Sucic (knee) and Jon Aramburu (foot) are in doubt after having to skip training and Alvaro Odriozola, Arsen Zakharyan and Martin Zubimendi, all back in contention, are still being nursed, but should participate.
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It’s hard to back United again after they limped off the FA Cup against a terrible Fulham team, even if they deserved three points against Arsenal. Real Sociedad, who have conceded three or more goals on four occasions since the new year, isn’t much easier to back.
They’re undefeated at Old Trafford (one win and one draw), but United’s away record makes me think maybe they can squak through and secure a quarterfinal spot.
Manchester United vs. Real Sociedad Pick: Manchester United to Win
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