Man United have never lost at Anoeta, drawing 0-0 in 2013 before being 1-0 winners in San Sebastián two seasons ago.
Real Sociedad's sole victory in eight attempts against English opposition came at Old Trafford in 2022; the Red Devils have won just five of their last 16 visits to Spain.
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Preview
After seeing their hopes of retaining the FA Cup go up in flames on Sunday, the Europa League is now Manchester United's only hope of salvaging this season. At the weekend, following a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, the Red Devils were beaten on penalties by Fulham; Victor Lindelöf and Joshua Zirkzee both seeing their attempts from 12 yards saved. Meanwhile, despite beating Ipswich 3-2 last mid-week, Rúben Amorim's have won only three of their last 11 Premier League outings, so continue to languish in 14th place, ten points adrift the final, potential, European position.
Thus, the only way Man United are going to get back into Europe is by winning this competition and, despite their catastrophic domestic campaign, they've actually been generally impressive in the Europa League to date. The Red Devils went through the league phase unbeaten, drawing their first three before a streak of five successive victories. Wins over PAOK, Bodø/Glimt, Viktoria Plzeň, Rangers and then Steaua București saw them reach the last 16, finishing third in the gigantic table.
The Red Devils won this competition eight years ago, also beaten finalists in 2021, albeit each of the last six knockout stage ties they've lost have come against Spanish opposition. So, will Man United come a cropper in San Sebastián?
As for Real Sociedad, they're aiming to reach the quarter-finals of a UEFA competition for the first time since 1989, defeated by Stuttgart in the UEFA Cup back then. Los Txuri-Urdin finished 13th in the league table with 13 points, winning consecutive home games against Ajax, Dynamo Kyiv and PAOK, all without conceding. La Real then took care of Midtjylland in the first knockout round, prevailing 2-1 in Herning and then 5-2 back at Anoeta; Luka Sučić the scorer of a brace.
However, Imanol Alguacil's side are not in great form domestically, enduring a pretty miserable week. Last Wednesday, they were beaten 1-0 by Real Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi, before being demolished 4-0 at Barcelona on Sunday; Aritz Elustondo's early red card at Montjuïc certainly not helping their cause. This means La Real have lost five of their last seven in La Liga, thereby slipping down to tenth. However, at home, Real Sociedad have won 11 of their last 14 across all competitions, beaten only by Real Madrid and Getafe at Anoeta since late-October, so Imanol's team will fancy their chances of beating Man United come Thursday night.
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 6
- Real Sociedad Wins: 1. Draws: 2. Manchester United Wins: 3.
Real Sociedad Team News
Jon Aramburu and Martín Zubimendi can both return, having served one-match bans against Midtjylland a fortnight ago. Elsewhere, Hamari Traoré came off the bench at the weekend, his first appearance since 1 September following a cruciate ligament tear, a major boost at right-back.
Talisman Mikel Oyarzabal was, surprisingly, an unused substitute against Barcelona, potentially being saved for this tie. Lastly, Jon Ander Olasagasti and Brais Méndez would miss next Thursday's second leg at Old Trafford if cautioned.
Real Sociedad predicted lineup vs Manchester United: (4-4-1-1): Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Muñoz; Zubimendi, Sučić, Kubo, Barrenetxea, Oyarzabal; Óskarsson.
Real Sociedad Player to Watch vs Manchester United
Takefusa Kubo has seven goals to his name this season, netting against Ajax and Midtjylland in this competition so far, so can he fire La Real to victory over Man United?
Manchester United Team News
Rúben Amorim travels with a depleted squad, considering Altay Bayındır, Tom Heaton, Lisandro Martínez, Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw, Toby Collyer, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Amad are all sidelined, hence why only seven substitutes, two of whom are young goalkeepers, were named against Fulham.
Patrick Dorgu was suspended at the weekend, so will return at left-wing-back, but Amorim has very few other options. Alejandro Garnacho could return to the front three, while Chido Obi-Martin will be hoping for some more minutes, after impressing off the bench in the FA Cup. Casemiro would sit out the second leg if cautioned.
Manchester United predicted lineup vs Real Sociedad: (3-4-2-1): Onana; Yoro, de Ligt, Maguire; Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Garnacho, Zirkzee, Højlund.
Manchester United Player to Watch vs Real Sociedad
Bruno Fernandes bagged his 11th of the season on Sunday, also netting a late winner against Rangers in this competition in January, and he'll be Man United's main goal threat here too.
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Prediction
We are forecasting a Real Sociedad victory at Anoeta. La Real are strong at home, while depleted Man United are so inconsistent, hence why we're backing the hosts: Real Sociedad 2-0 Manchester United.
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United FAQs - Europa League
How to watch Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Europa League game on TV channel?
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Europa League game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 1
- USA: Paramount+, ViX & TUDN USA
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Europa League game on live streaming?
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Europa League game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: Paramount+, ViX & TUDN USA
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Real Sociedad vs Manchester United in the Europa League?
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United takes place on Thursday 6 March 2025, with kick off at 17:45 (GMT), 12:45 (EDT) & 9:45 (PST).