Who played for United and Real Sociedad?

Wednesday 05 March 2025 10:17

Finding somebody who has played for both Real Sociedad and Manchester United is difficult, but one man fits the criteria.

Adnan Januzaj left Old Trafford for the San Sebastian side in 2017 and has made more appearances for the Basque outfit than any of his other clubs.

The Belgium international even faced the Reds in the Europa League in 2021, getting little change out of Alex Telles in a 4-0 Reds win in Turin, and also starting in the return leg at Old Trafford, in a tie that finished goalless.

Januzaj was part of a La Real attack that contained current Newcastle United hot-shot Alexander Isak.

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Adnan Januzaj spoke to MUTV after the game in Turin.

"I knew, if there were fans here, they would welcome me again," Januzaj told MUTV after the behind-closed-doors match in Italy.

"I'm watching every United game because I like to watch football, but especially I like to watch United. It's where I grew up and the team I always supported. I hope, for them, they can win this tournament."

Unfortunately, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men were defeated after a marathon penalty shootout to Villarreal in the final later that year.

Januzaj joined United from Anderlecht and progressed into the first team, making a sensational first Premier League start against Sunderland.

The youngster scored twice in a 2-1 victory at the Stadium of Light and was something of a shining light in David Moyes's time in charge of the club.

He was later loaned to the Black Cats, after also having a stint at Borussia Dortmund, before leaving permanently to make his mark in Spain. Now 30, he is playing for Las Palmas, on loan from parent club Sevilla.

Incidentally, Moyes is another man who links the two clubs.

The current Everton boss resumed his managerial career at Real Sociedad in 2014, after departing United earlier in the year.

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