Manchester United welcome Real Sociedad to Old Trafford in their opening Group E clash in 2022-23 UEFA Europa League.
Victory would see Man Utd or Real Sociedad go top if they better Sheriff Tiraspol’s result against Omonia in the other Group E match.
Team News
Lisandro Martinez is a doubt for Man Utd with a groin injury suffered in Sunday’s 3-1 Premier League win over Arsenal.
Donny van de Beek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are both doubtful as they recover from knocks.
Anthony Martial (Achilles), Facundo Pellistri (ankle), Brandon Williams (unspecified) and Mason Greenwood (personal) remain ruled out.
Real Sociedad could be without Robin Le Normand as he recovers from a foot injury.
Mikel Oyarzabal (knee) is ruled out.
Stat Attack
- Man Utd are unbeaten in four previous meetings against Real Sociedad in all UEFA competitions (W2, D2), of which both draws finished goalless.
- Real Sociedad are winless in two previous trips to Old Trafford (D1, L1).
- Utd are yet to concede against Real Sociedad, having scored five goals across their four previous clashes without conceding.
- Man Utd are unbeaten in three of their last five home matches against Spanish opposition across all UEFA competitions (W2, D1, L2).
- Real Sociedad have failed to win any of their three previous away matches against English opposition in all UEFA competitions (D1, L2).
Prediction
Man Utd begin their European adventures off the back of a resurgent four-match winning run which was summed up by a dominant win over Arsenal, where they displayed excellent attacking intensity especially when on the flanks with great movement and aggression.
Real Sociedad meanwhile haven’t been consistent so far this season with two narrow wins, a draw against Atletico Madrid and heavy defeat against Barcelona, so it is difficult to predict what sort of performance to expect especially given their Old Trafford hoodoo.
I though do expect Utd to make changes with Cristiano Ronaldo and Casemiro potentially starting and if they continue to finetune their performances with another clinical display, I can see them getting a routine win without conceding.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Real Sociedad
Result: Manchester United 0-1 Real Sociedad