Real Sociedad remain unbeaten in their last two visits to Old Trafford.
Image credit: Sean Ituarte
The Europa League Round of 16 second leg is set for an intense battle as Manchester United welcomes Real Sociedad to Old Trafford on March 13, 2025, at 8 PM UK time.
With the tie finely poised at 1-1, both sides will be eager to book a place in the quarter-finals.
Match Preview
Manchester United enters this fixture under mounting pressure. After their 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad in Spain, they played another stalemate against Arsenal in the Premier League.
Currently 14th in the league, United’s best chance of securing a Champions League spot next season rests on winning the Europa League.
Manager Ruben Amorim has overseen a mixed campaign, but one positive remains: United are unbeaten in this season’s Europa League (W5, D4) and have won their last three home games in the competition.
However, they must be wary of Real Sociedad, the only team to defeat them at Old Trafford in this tournament since 2022.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad arrives in Manchester struggling for form, having lost their last three domestic matches, including a 1-0 defeat to Sevilla.
Manager Imanol Alguacil knows his team’s best route to next season’s Champions League is by winning this competition.
Although Sociedad has struggled away from home, they remain unbeaten in their last two visits to Old Trafford – a stat they’ll look to extend.
Key Players to Watch
Manchester United: Bruno Fernandes – The midfield maestro is key to United’s creativity and set-piece threat.
🚨 UGARTE & MOUNT BACK IN TRAINING TODAY! pic.twitter.com/HytXCWfeiN
— Morgan (@utdscope) March 12, 2025
Expected Manchester United XI: Onana; De Ligt, Lindelof, Mazraoui; Dalot, Fernandes, Casemiro, Dorgu; Garnacho, Hojlund, Zirkzee.
Real Sociedad: Mikel Oyarzabal – Sociedad’s captain and penalty specialist will be their main goal threat.
Expected Real Sociedad XI: Remiro; Elustondo, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Munoz; Turrientes, Zubimendi, Mendez; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea.
Prediction
With both teams desperate for a win, expect a tightly contested game. United’s home advantage could prove crucial, but Sociedad’s defensive resilience will make this a tough encounter.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Real Sociedad