With their domestic form faltering, Real Sociedad are looking to shake off their struggles and add to Manchester United’s woes when the two sides clash in the Europa League last 16 on Thursday.
The Basque side, still reeling from a 4-0 thrashing by Barcelona, are determined to turn things around in front of their home fans at the Reale Arena before heading to Old Trafford for the second leg.
Turning the Page on Barcelona Drubbing
Coach Imanol Alguacil brushed off Sunday’s humiliating defeat, where his side was reduced to 10 men early on and barely put up a fight. “That’s in the past. Now, we focus on Thursday,” he insisted.
Sitting ninth in La Liga, La Real see the Europa League as their best shot at silverware, much like their English opponents, who crashed out of the FA Cup on penalties to Fulham over the weekend.
Adding extra motivation, this year’s Europa League final will be played in Bilbao, the home of Sociedad’s bitter rivals, making the prospect of lifting the trophy even sweeter.
Man United’s Crisis Continues
While United remain unbeaten in the Europa League, their trip to San Sebastián presents their toughest test yet. Under-pressure boss Rúben Amorim has to navigate a growing injury crisis, a lack of confidence in attack, and rising fan unrest.
Chido Obi is ineligible for the competition, leaving Rasmus Højlund—who hasn’t scored in 18 matches—likely to lead the line. Meanwhile, United’s league form is in tatters, with only two wins in their last six games, and they sit a shocking 14th in the Premier League.
United’s talisman Bruno Fernandes is under no illusions about the challenge ahead. “Real Sociedad play brilliant football, with high quality from the back to the front. We’ll need to be fresh because they’ll make us run—but we have to make them run too,” he said.
Glazer Ownership Under Fire
Beyond their on-field struggles, United face mounting pressure off the pitch. A planned protest against the Glazer family is set for Sunday, with fans demanding change.
“The club is slowly dying before our eyes,” said Steve Crompton, a spokesman for United fan group The 1958. “Financially, we’re heading towards ruin. Sir Matt Busby would be turning in his grave seeing what’s happening to this great club.”
As Real Sociedad look to exploit United’s turmoil, Thursday’s clash could either be the spark of a revival—or another painful chapter in the Red Devils’ unraveling season.
