Manchester United Faces Real Sociedad in Europa League Showdown

MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United will host Real Sociedad tonight in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 tie at Old Trafford, following a thrilling 1-1 draw in the first leg held in San Sebastián.

Both teams entered the match with tense stakes. United, seeking to salvage a disappointing season, consider this tournament their final opportunity for silverware, while Sociedad aims for a breakthrough playoff victory after finishing 13th in their domestic league.

The first meeting saw Joshua Zirkzee score for Manchester in the 57th minute with a well-placed shot, before captain Mikel Oyarzabal equalized with a penalty, awarded after VAR confirmed a handball by Bruno Fernandes.

United’s manager Ruben Amorim acknowledged the pressure, stating, “If you are a top player at this football club, you must transform that into results.” He noted the team’s resilience amid injury challenges.

While United’s lineup features notable changes, including Ayden Heaven making his first senior start, Sociedad also adjusted their squad, reintegrating midfield star Martin Zubimendi and captain Oyarzabal as central forward.

Oyarzabal, who scored the equalizing penalty in the first leg, holds the title of Sociedad’s leading goalscorer in European competitions and will be a key figure tonight.

Just two out of 28 matches at Old Trafford in the Europa League has resulted in a defeat for United, with the last loss to Sociedad coming in September 2022.

Moreover, United traditionally outperforms Sociedad in their European encounters, winning four of their seven duels, with the others ending in one draw and two Sociedad victories. Expectations are high for this tightly contested rematch.

Each side approaches the match with momentum concerns and defensive vulnerabilities. United’s recent setbacks included a loss to Sevilla while Sociedad struggled offensively in their league encounters heading into this decisive match.

The match kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT (3 p.m. ET), and will be broadcast on TNT Sports in the UK, Paramount+ in the US, and Sony LIV in India. The atmosphere at Old Trafford promises an intense clash as both teams aim for progression to the quarter-finals against either Lyon or FCSB.