Real Sociedad v Man Utd: Preview and Betting Tips | UEL 2025

The hosts have lost seven of their last 13 matches in all competitions. The Red Devils have just one win in their last four matches and they’ve been beaten just once by Sociedad in six meetings.

Match: Real Sociedad v Man Utd
When: Thursday, 06 March 2025, 19:45 SAST.
Where: Anoeta

Real Sociedad Form

Real Sociedad sit down in ninth place in La Liga with 12 defeats in 26 matches. They have lost seven of their last 13 matches in all competitions. A 2-1 win at Midtjylland in the Europa League playoff round first leg made it three straight wins. A 3-0 La Liga defeat at Real Betis followed.

Sociedad reached the Europa League last-16 by thrashing Midtjylland 5-2 in the second leg to progress 7-3 on aggregate. A 3-0 home league win over Leganes followed, but they’ve since lost their last two fixtures. A 1-0 home loss to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey preceded a 4-0 thrashing away at Barcelona on Sunday.

Real Sociedad Team News

There are four injuries for coach Imanol Alguacil to contend with. Attacking midfielder Luka Susic scored a brace in the last European match but he is a doubt for this one. Right back Alvaro Odriozola is not expected to play any part.         

Key striker Mikel Oyarzabal was rested on Sunday and will be fresh to start this match. Midfielder Arsen Zakharyan is set to miss out and so is centre back Jon Pacheco. On-loan centre back Nayef Aguerd is set to return to the XI

Real Sociedad Motivation

The club is paying full attention to the Europa League. That was shown by resting some key men against Barcelona last time out.

They will have no fear against Man Utd and will look to attack. A first-leg win is needed to have something to take to Old Trafford next week.

Man Utd Form

United have shown some signs of progress of late. Their last 13 matches have seen just three defeats. A 1-0 win at Fulham in the league came between two Europa League victories. After losing 2-0 at home to Crystal Palace, Ruben Amorim’s side beat Leicester 2-1 in the FA Cup.

A 1-0 loss at Tottenham saw them allow 2.23 xG and 22 shots. A strong comeback saw them come from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Everton. They beat Ipswich 3-2 at home despite playing the entire second half with ten men. Last time out, they had 20 shots but could only draw 1-1 vs Fulham in the FA Cup before losing on penalties.

Man Utd Team News

Ruben Amorim has plenty of injuries. Mason Mount, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Kobbie Mainoo will play no part. He is also without long-term injury victims in Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo and Luke Shaw.

Alejandro Garnacho is hoping for a recall and Casemiro could be handed a starting place. With the injuries at the back, there could be a rare start for Victor Lindelof.

Man Utd Motivation

United’s confidence is fragile and the side are beset by injuries. Winning the Europa League could save their season and therefore motivation is high.

They will go to Spain and try to avoid defeat. Expect to see a pragmatic display with eight men behind the ball at times.

Key Stats

Real Sociedad have lost 7 of their last 13 matches

Real Sociedad have won their last 4 home Europa League matches (12-2 aggregate)

Man Utd have won 3 of their 6 meetings vs Sociedad (2 draws) with 4 clean sheets

Man Utd have won just 1 of their last 4 matches

Man Utd have won their last 2 away Europa League matches

Verdict: Ajax vs Lazio

This should be a tight affair, with it either ending level or in a one-goal victory either way. Sociedad will be highly motivated and could take a first-leg advantage.

Best Bet: Real Sociedad win at 2.12
Alternate Bet: Real Sociedad to qualify at 1.93
Value Bet: Real Sociedad to win by exactly 1 goal at 3.55