After ending Arsenal’s unbeaten start in the Premier League; Manchester United’s focus now turns to our Europa League campaign in Group E as we take on Real Sociedad in the opening game on Thursday evening. United come into this fixture after an excellent performance to beat the Gunners 3-1. Whilst our opponents secured a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
New signing Antony displayed his flashy footwork in front of Old Trafford on Sunday capping his debut with the opening goal against Arsenal with his curled shot into the corner of the goal. The Gunners did equalise through Bukayo Saka. However, their defence crumbled soon after as a brace from Marcus Rashford secured all three points for the Reds.
As Erik Ten Hag’s side have now recovered from the dismal start to the season having won the last four games in a row with Liverpool and Arsenal dispatched at Old Trafford. We now enter the first game of the 2022/23 Europa League season.
The Red Devils will look to maintain our winning run as we look to make it past the group stages. We have reached the semi-finals in our last three appearances in the competition having won the tournament back in 2017 before losing in the 2021 final against Villarreal.
Our European adventure last season ended at the hands of Atletico Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League. The Old Trafford faithful is not expecting to see much trouble from opponents Omonia or Sheriff Tiraspol; who we play later on Group E.
Manchester United Team News
For United, there are no major injury concerns coming from the Arsenal game; where Luke Shaw was fit enough to make the bench. Anthony Martial and Facundo Pellistri remain out alongside Brandon Williams, who did not make the Europa League squad.
Donny Van De Beek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will need to be assessed to see if they can compete as they look to shake off their knocks. Rotation is expected to be seen during this Europa League campaign. It could see Martin Dubravka making his debut in goal at the expense of number one goalkeeper David De Gea.
Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford may not be risked for this game having been brought off against Arsenal as a precaution. Harry Maguire, Cristiano Ronaldo and Casemiro will be looking to make their claims to be in the starting eleven for this game.
Manchester United’s Predicted Lineup
Dubravka; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Fernandes, Elanga and Ronaldo.
Opposition Preview
Since the start of the season, Real Sociedad has scored in each of their games. But no more than one goal. They came back from behind at the weekend after Alvaro Morata’s opening for Atletico was cancelled out by Umar Sadiq’s goal. They have taken seven points out of a possible twelve so far. Representing a good start for Imanol Alguacil’s side; whose league wins have come away from home against Cadiz and Elche.
This is Real Sociedad’s third consecutive appearance in the Europa League group stages; having made it to the knockout rounds in 2020/21 and 2021/22. However, their run ended last season at the round of 32 stage by RB Leipzig. They had bowed out at the same point in 2020/21 to United; as we won the first leg 4-0 at the Allianz Stadium before a 0-0 draw in the return leg at Old Trafford.
Real Sociedad Team News
For our opponents, centre-back Robin Le Normand is a doubt having suffered a stress fracture in his foot. His spot in the centre of defence is likely to be taken by Aritz Elustondo. Whilst, Mikel Oyarzabal, Martin Merquelanz and Carlos Fernandez will not feature. Left-back Diego Rico who made the bench against Atletico Madrid following his hamstring will be pushing his claim for a starting place.
Mohamed-Ali Cho and Alexander Sorloth will be hoping they keep their places in the side following Umar Sadiq’s goal at the weekend. Former Manchester City player, David Silva is likely to occupy the number 10 role.
Form Guide
Manchester United form (all competitions): LLWWWW
Real Sociedad form (all competitions): WLWD
Prediction
Though it is expected that Erik Ten Hag will rotate his squad for the Europa League campaign, there is more than enough quality in the squad to come away with an opening group stage win against Real Sociedad.
Manchester United 2-0 Real Sociedad
