Manchester United vs Real Sociedad Prediction, Preview, Team News and Lineups 13.03.2025

• Date and Time: Thursday, March 13, 2025, 4:00 PM EDT
• Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England

Manchester United vs Real Sociedad Preview and Team News 

Manchester United Team News

Under manager Rúben Amorim, Manchester United has faced a challenging season, currently sitting 14th in the Premier League. Their recent performances include a 1-1 draw against Arsenal, as well as draws with the same score against Real Sociedad and Fulham.

In their recent match against Arsenal, Manchester United employed a low-block defensive strategy, effectively limiting Arsenal’s offensive threats. 

This approach involved a 5-4-1 formation, with the back five maintaining compactness to restrict space in central areas. United’s midfielders, particularly Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, played pivotal roles in disrupting Arsenal’s build-up play by intercepting passes and initiating counter-attacks. 

On the offensive front, United capitalized on set-piece opportunities; Fernandes’ precise free-kick exploited a mispositioned Arsenal wall, granting them the lead.

HOW did this match end level? 🤯#MUFC || #PL

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 10, 2025

Against Real Sociedad at the first leg, Manchester United employed a tactical approach that emphasized exploiting the spaces behind Sociedad’s high defensive line. 

Manager Ruben Amorim instructed his wing-backs, Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu, to make incisive runs behind the defense, creating opportunities from wide areas. This strategy led to Joshua Zirkzee’s goal in the 57th minute, where he capitalized on Alejandro Garnacho’s pass. 

However, United’s defensive organization was tested after conceding a penalty due to a handball by Bruno Fernandes, resulting in Mikel Oyarzabal’s equalizer.

Injuries have compounded United’s woes. Key defender Lisandro Martínez (ACL injury) is sidelined, along with Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Altay Bayindir, Jonny Evans, limiting Amorim’s tactical options.

Manchester United predicted lineup vs Real Sociedad (3-4-3): Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Lindelöf; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dalot; Garnacho, Fernandes; Zirkzee.

Real Sociedad Team News

Real Sociedad have recently experienced a series of challenging matches. 

In the last match, they faced Sevilla at the Reale Arena, suffering a 1-0 defeat. Despite dominating the first half, Sociedad’s inability to convert opportunities into goals, coupled with defensive errors in the second half, led to their downfall. This loss highlighted issues of fatigue and inefficiency in front of goal, exacerbated by a congested fixture schedule since January, during which they have played 17 matches. ​

Earlier, Real Sociedad traveled to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys to face Barcelona. The match ended in a 4-0 defeat for Sociedad, a result influenced by the 38th-minute expulsion of defender Aritz Elustondo. Playing with ten men for nearly an hour, Sociedad struggled to contain Barcelona’s relentless attack, leading to a lopsided scoreline.

In the first leg against Manchester United, Real Sociedad struggled to break down United’s defensive setup. Their forwards – Barrenetxea, Kubo and Oyarzabal, were often isolated, making it challenging to create clear-cut opportunities. 

The reliance on Oyarzabal for goals is apparent, and when he is neutralized, Sociedad’s attacking threat diminishes.

Defensively, the high line employed by Sociedad has been a double-edged sword. While it allows them to compress the play and maintain pressure, it also leaves them vulnerable to balls over the top. This was evident in the first leg, where United’s forwards frequently found space behind the defense.

Injuries have also impacted the Spanish club. Defender Jon Pacheco is out with a muscle injury, and Álvaro Odriozola is a doubt due to physical discomfort. However, Aritz Elustondo returns from suspension, bolstering their defensive options.

Real Sociedad predicted lineup vs Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, J Lopez; Barrenetxea, Marin, Zubimendi, Sucic, Gomez; Oyarzabal.

Manchester United vs Real Sociedad Prediction 

• Pick: Manchester United or draw
• Odds: -197 (20Bet)
• Score prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Real Sociedad

Despite their domestic struggles, United have been resilient in the Europa League, remaining unbeaten in their last nine matches. Their home form is particularly strong, with three consecutive Europa League victories at Old Trafford. 

Conversely, Real Sociedad have faced challenges on the road, losing four of their last five away games. Additionally, United’s historical edge over Sociedad, with two wins and three draws in their previous six encounters, further supports this bet. 

These factors collectively suggest that Manchester United are well-positioned to avoid defeat in this fixture.

Manchester United vs Real Sociedad Prediction, Betting Tip

• Pick: Manchester United or draw
• Odds: -114 (20Bet)

In their recent encounter, both teams found the net, resulting in a 1-1 draw. This trend indicates that both sides have the capability to breach each other’s defenses. 

Additionally, Real Sociedad’s and Man United`s recent matches have seen goals from both sides, reflecting vulnerabilities in their defense. Considering these patterns, it’s reasonable to anticipate that both teams will score in the upcoming fixture.

Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Where to Watch (USA, Canada) 

• Paramount+ (USA)
• DAZN (Canada)

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By Alexander Yaremenko

Updated: 11 Mar 2025, 23:09