Manchester United vs Real Sociedad Preview & Betting Tips

Manchester United (1.85) welcomes Real Sociedad (4.70) to Old Trafford on Thursday night for the second leg of their UEFA Europa League last-16 tie. After a 1-1 draw in Spain last week, everything is still up for grabs.

The Red Devils will take confidence from their recent 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League – a game where they had chances to claim all three points. That result extended their unbeaten run after normal time to five games across all competitions, showing signs of resilience under Ruben Amorim.

Meanwhile, Sociedad arrive in Manchester off the back of a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Sevilla in La Liga. The Spanish side are now winless in their last four matches in all competitions, with three of those ending in defeat. Worryingly for Sociedad, they have struggled in front of goal, scoring just once in their last four outings – and that was the penalty they won in the first leg against United.

With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, both teams will be desperate for a win.

Recent Meetings & Head-to-Head Record

These two sides have become familiar foes in Europe in recent seasons, and history favours United.

Across seven previous meetings, Sociedad have only managed one victory.
United have won three times, with three matches ending in a draw.
The last time these sides met in the UEL knockout stage (2020/21), United comfortably progressed.
Goals have been scarce in this fixture – just eight in the last seven encounters combined.

With such a tight record, Thursday’s showdown could be another cagey affair.

Bookmakers’ View – United Favoured to Progress

The odds suggest that Manchester United are expected to get the win, which hasn’t always been the case this season:

Man United to win: 1.85
Draw: 3.30
Real Sociedad to win: 4.70

A draw would be enough for Sociedad to force extra time, but with their current form, they may struggle to keep United at bay for 90 minutes.

Key Players to Watch

Bruno Fernandes – The Game Changer?

United’s captain continues to be their talisman, as demonstrated with his stunning free-kick against Arsenal last weekend. The Portuguese playmaker has a knack for stepping up in big moments, and if United are to progress, his creativity and finishing ability will be key.

Mikel Oyarzabal – Sociedad’s Main Threat

The Spanish forward was Sociedad’s hero in the first leg, scoring from the penalty spot on his return from injury. With Sociedad struggling for goals, they will need Oyarzabal to deliver another moment of magic to stand any chance of progressing.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester United

Onana, Yoro, De Ligt, Lindelof, Dorgu, Fernandes, Eriksen, Dalot, Garnacho, Hojlund, Zirkzee.

Real Sociedad

Remiro, Elustondo, Aguerd, Zubeldia, Munoz, Marin, Turrientes, Mendez, Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea.

Betting Predictions & Best Tips

Given the tight nature of the first leg and Sociedad’s recent struggles in front of goal, this game could follow a similar pattern.

✔ Bruno Fernandes to score -3.40 – United’s captain has been in excellent form and is a threat from open play and set-pieces.
✔ Under 2.5 Total Goals –1.64– Four of the last five meetings between these sides have seen two or fewer goals.
✔ No Goals in the 1st Half- 2.50 – With both teams cautious early on, we could see another slow start.

Bet on Manchester United v Real Sociedad

Final Thoughts

There’s still a lot to play for here, but United’s home form and Sociedad’s attacking issues suggest the Red Devils should have the upper hand. A quarter-final spot is within reach if they can take their chances and stay solid defensively.

Can Sociedad defy the odds, or will Old Trafford witness another famous European night?

The odds are correct as of this writing.