Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Prediction, Preview, Team News and Lineups 06.03.2025

• Date and Time: Thursday, March 6, 2025, 12:45 PM ET
• Venue: Reale Arena, San Sebastian, Spain

Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Preview and Team News 

Real Sociedad Team News

Real Sociedad enter this Europa League Round of 16 clash with a mixed bag of recent performances. Their last four matches across all competitions have yielded two victories and two defeats.

In their recent fixtures, Real Sociedad have experienced a series of early red cards that have significantly impacted their performance. Notably, in matches against Osasuna, Lazio in the UEFA Europa League, Betis, and Barcelona, early expulsions have led to defeats. ​

In their recent 0-4 defeat to Barcelona, Real Sociedad struggled significantly, especially after the dismissal of defender Aritz Elustondo, which left them with ten men for nearly an hour. This numerical disadvantage enabled Barcelona to control possession and take advantage of defensive weaknesses, resulting in a one-sided scoreline.​

On February 26, they faced Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinals, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat. ​Prior to that, they secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Leganés in La Liga. ​Earlier, they showed their offensive strength with a 5-2 win against Midtjylland in the Europa League.

⚔ pic.twitter.com/ZJRiA4mDTe

— Real Sociedad Fútbol (@RealSociedad) March 3, 2025

Injuries have also plagued the squad, with key players like Jon Pacheco (muscle injury) and Arsen Zakharyan (thigh injury) sidelined. Additionally, Álvaro Odriozola is a doubt due to physical discomfort.

Real Sociedad predicted lineup vs Manchester United (4-5-1): Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, J Lopez; Barrenetxea, Marin, Zubimendi, Sucic, Gomez; Oyarzabal.

Manchester United Team News

Manchester United approach this fixture under considerable pressure, having experienced a tumultuous season both domestically and in cup competitions. 

On February 16, they suffered a 1-0 away defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, struggling to break down Spurs’ defense. After that, Manchester United played to a 2-2 draw against Everton, which revealed some weaknesses in their defense.

We win together and we lose together.

Keep your heads up, Reds — thank you for your support once more ❤️#MUFC || #FACup pic.twitter.com/ECr73oOiQU

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 2, 2025

On February 26 they achieved a narrow 3-2 victory at home against Ipswich Town, demonstrating their attacking prowess, though there were some defensive lapses. However, on March 2, 2025, they were eliminated from the FA Cup by Fulham. After a 1-1 draw, they lost 4-3 in the penalty shootout, with Victor Lindelöf and Joshua Zirkzee missing crucial penalty kicks.​

The FA Cup exit to Fulham showed ongoing issues within the squad. Rasmus Højlund’s struggles continued, managing only one shot before being substituted. His replacement, 17-year-old Chido Obi, injected energy into the attack, registering three significant attempts with greater involvement in play. ​

Manager Ruben Amorim favors a 3-4-3 system, a formation that brought him success at Sporting Lisbon. However, its implementation at Manchester United has faced hurdles. 

On to the next one.

Bruno says our focus shifts to Thursday’s #UEL tie, following today’s game ⤵️#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 2, 2025

The squad lacks natural wing-backs and central midfielders adept in this setup, leading to structural imbalances. Bruno Fernandes, while statistically impressive, has been criticized for overextending his role, potentially disrupting the team’s tactical coherence. ​

The attacking duo of Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee has struggled to find form, with Højlund often dropping too deep, hindering his effectiveness as a striker. The team’s reliance on set-pieces for goals, as seen in the narrow win over Ipswich Town, underscores challenges in open-play creativity.

“It wasn’t our day.”

Ruben says the Reds gave everything against Fulham.#MUFC || #FACup

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 2, 2025

Injuries have further compounded United’s challenges. Defender Harry Maguire was substituted due to a knock during the Fulham match, adding to a growing list of absentees, including Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martínez, Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Altay Bayindir, Jonny Evans, and Toby Collyer.

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

Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Prediction 

• Pick: Real Sociedad or draw
• Odds: -334 (20Bet)
• Score prediction: Real Sociedad 1-1 Manchester United

Considering the current form and tactical setups of both teams, this encounter is poised to be a closely contested affair. Real Sociedad’s home advantage and possession-based approach may pose challenges for Manchester United’s defense, which has shown vulnerabilities in recent matches. 

Conversely, United’s individual talent could exploit any defensive lapses from the Spanish side

So I expect that Real Sociedad won`t lose on their home ground.

Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Prediction, Betting Tip

• Pick: Both teams to score
• Odds: -113 (20Bet)

​Both Real Sociedad and Manchester United have exhibited defensive vulnerabilities this season. Real Sociedad have conceded 27 goals in 26 La Liga matches, averaging 1.04 goals against per game. 

Manchester United, on the other hand, have allowed 39 goals in 27 Premier League games, averaging 1.44 goals against per match. These defensive challenges, from my point of view, suggest a likelihood of both teams scoring in their upcoming encounter.

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

• Paramount+ (USA)
• DAZN (Canada)

Disclaimer: The content provided on this page, including all soccer predictions, odds, and related information, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure accuracy and timeliness, we do not guarantee the correctness or reliability of any predictions, data, or information presented here.

By Alexander Yaremenko

Updated: 04 Mar 2025, 15:23