The second leg of the Europa League Round of 16 between Manchester United (England) and Real Sociedad (Spain) will take place on March 13 at Old Trafford. The first match ended in a 1-1 draw. Manchester United vs. Real Sociedad: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Manchester United
The Red Devils achieved a satisfactory result in the first leg, drawing 1-1 away in Spain. In the return match, the English side needs to defeat their opponents by any scoreline to progress further in the tournament. Interestingly, Manchester United is the only club in the Champions League and Europa League that has yet to lose in this European campaign (5 wins and 4 draws). Notably, if the team advances to the quarter-finals, it will be their fourth appearance at this stage of the Europa League in the last five years.
- No more than three goals have been scored in 6 of Manchester United's last 7 matches in this tournament.
- Both teams have scored in 7 of Manchester United's last 9 Europa League games.
- At least two goals have been scored in the second half in 6 of the English side's last 8 matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Manchester United (3-4-3)
Andre Onana – Matthijs de Ligt, Leni Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui – Diogo Dalot, Casemiro, Patrick Dorgu, Bruno Fernandes – Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Højlund.
Due to injuries, goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, defenders Harry Maguire, Leni Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Jonny Evans, midfielder Mason Mount, as well as forwards Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo, are unavailable.
Real Sociedad
The Spaniards have made their task of advancing to the next round of the Europa League more difficult by only managing a draw at home. Meanwhile, the Basques' winless streak in this tournament has extended to four matches (previously three wins). They need to win in England to reach the quarter-finals of a European competition for the first time in 35 years. If the match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, extra time will be played.
- The club has not lost in 6 of their last 7 matches in this tournament (5 wins and 1 draw).
- Exactly two or three goals have been scored in 9 of Real Sociedad's last 11 Europa League games.
- Both teams have scored in 8 of the Spaniards' last 11 matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Real Sociedad (4-3-3)
Alejandro Remiro – Aritz Elustondo, Nayef Aguerd, Aihen Muñoz, Igor Zubeldia – Brais Méndez, Luka Sučić, Beñat Turrientes – Takefusa Kubo, Ander Barrenetxea, Mikel Oyarzabal.
Defender Jon Pacheco will miss the match due to injury. Midfielder Luka Sučić's participation is in doubt. Additionally, midfielders Arsen Zakharyan and defender Amari Traore may miss the game due to visa issues.
Referee
Benoît Bastien (France)
Matches – 9 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 31;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.4;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 33%.
Match Prediction: Manchester United vs. Real Sociedad
The Red Devils have only accumulated 33 points after 27 rounds. The club has not collected so few points at this stage of the league since the creation of the Premier League. It is highly likely that the team will not finish in the top 6 or even in the top half of the table. The Europa League victory could salvage the disappointing season. Therefore, Ruben Amorim is motivating his players solely for a win in the upcoming match.
The San Sebastian side is also not in the best form, but their position in La Liga is noticeably better, with the European competition zone nearby. However, the team plays poorly away from home, having lost five of their last six matches in La Liga and the Europa League, defeating only Midtjylland. Additionally, the Spaniards have played seven matches against the Red Devils in the Champions League and Europa League, but have only won once (3 draws and 3 losses). In these encounters, the Basques have scored only two goals.
My prediction: Manchester United to Win
