The second leg of the Europa League Round of 16 for the 2024/25 season 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 secured a satisfactory result in the first leg by drawing away in Spain (1-1). In the return match, the English side needs to defeat their opponent by any scoreline to advance further in the tournament. Interestingly, Manchester United is the only club in both the Champions League and Europa League that remains unbeaten this European season (5 wins and 4 draws). If the team reaches 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 scored in 7 of the last 9 Europa League matches involving Manchester United.
- At least two goals were scored in the second half in 6 of the last 8 matches for the English side in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Manchester United (3-4-3)
Andre Onana – Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui – Diogo Dalot, Casemiro, Patrick Dorgu, Bruno Fernandes – Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Højlund.
Goalkeeper Altay Bayındır, defenders Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Jonny Evans, midfielders Mason Mount, and forwards Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo are out due to injuries.
Real Sociedad
The Spaniards complicated their task of advancing to the next round of the Europa League by only drawing 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 they manage to draw after 90 minutes, extra time will be played.
- The club hasn't 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 scored in 8 of the last 11 matches involving the Spaniards 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.
Defenders Álvaro Odriozola and Jon Pacheco, as well as midfielder Arsen Zakharyan, will miss the match due to injuries.
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 hasn't collected so few points at this stage of the championship since the Premier League's inception. It is highly likely that the team will not finish in the top-6, or even in the top half of the table. They can salvage their disappointing season by winning the Europa League. Therefore, Ruben Amorim is solely focused on victory in the upcoming match.
San Sebastian's team is also not in the best form, yet their position in La Liga is noticeably better, with the European competition zone nearby. However, the team performs poorly away and has lost five of their last six matches in La Liga and the Europa League, defeating only Midtjylland. Additionally, the Spaniards have faced the Red Devils seven times in the Champions League and Europa League, winning only once (3 draws and 3 losses). In these encounters, the Basques have scored just two goals.
My prediction: Manchester United to win
