Match preview: United (1) v Real Sociedad (1)

The sides are level at 1-1 after last week’s meeting in San Sebastian, with Joshua Zirkzee opening the scoring for the Reds and Mikel Oyarzabal equalising from the penalty spot.

Both sides have added motivation to continue on the road to Bilbao, as United seek Champions League football next term and La Real bid to win a first continental trophy at the ground of regional rivals Athletic Club.

Here’s what you need to know ahead of what is sure to be an intense European occasion at Old Trafford…

HOW TO WATCH AND FOLLOW

There are a limited number of tickets still available to buy, so what are you waiting for? Act now and secure your seat for an important European night in M16.

The game kicks off at 20:00 GMT and will be shown live on TNT Sports in the UK. Fans can discover exclusive pre-match and post-match coverage on MUTV, as our ‘Match Day Live’ programme gets under way at 18:55 GMT, just after the teams have been announced.

The United App is the place to be during the game, for a second-screen experience, as we’ll bring you live radio commentary, plus stats and updates.

If you miss the action, you can catch the highlights across our platforms from midnight on Friday.

WHAT’S THE TEAM NEWS?

Manuel Ugarte could return to the Reds’ line-up after a two-game absence, although Leny Yoro requires assessment after being withdrawn at half-time in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal. Ayden Heaven came on for the Frenchman and performed well. 

Altay Bayindir, Amad, Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw have all been out due to injury.

Chido Obi is ineligible for this competition, but Patrick Dorgu can play, despite currently being suspended in domestic football.

Martin Zubimendi looks likely to return for the visitors after missing the first leg due to illness. The Euro 2024 winner was involved as a substitute in Sunday’s defeat to Sevilla, as Imanol Aguacil made eight changes to his starting XI.

Luka Sucic was absent due to a muscle injury, with Aritz Elustondo banned. Alvaro Odriozola, Jon Pacheco and Arsen Zakharyan continued their spells on the sidelines.

PAST MEETINGS

This will be La Real’s fourth visit to Old Trafford and the previous three games have furnished just two goals. Inigo Martinez scored past his own goalkeeper to settle a 2013 Champions League meeting, before a goalless Europa League draw in 2021 – Oyarzabal missing a penalty – confirmed a United victory over two legs, by a 4-0 scoreline.

The Basque outfit’s most recent trip to M16 came in unique and sombre circumstances, as our Europa League group game in September 2022 kicked off just an hour or so after the death of Queen Elizabeth II was announced.

A low-key affair was played out and it was Brais Mendez who proved to be the matchwinner for the La Liga side, as he successfully converted a second-half spot-kick.

DID YOU KNOW?

That 1-0 reverse under Erik ten Hag is the only defeat we’ve experienced in our 28 most recent Europa League outings at Old Trafford. We’ve won 21 and drawn six of the other fixtures played here since losing 3-2 to Marcelo Bielsa’s Athletic Club in March 2012.

Bruno Fernandes has been directly involved in more goals than any other United player in the competition (20 – 10 goals, 10 assists).

Real Sociedad have only won one of their nine matches against English sides in European competition (D3 L5), scoring just three goals overall, across those nine outings.

Thanks to Opta.

RIVALS WATCH

Here are the other ties which are concluding on Thursday, along with the scores from last week’s first-leg encounters…

Athletic Club 1 v 2 Roma (17:45 GMT)
Eintracht Frankfurt 2 v 1 Ajax (17:45 GMT)
Lazio 2 v 1 Viktoria Plzen (17:45 GMT)
Olympiacos 0 v 3 Bodo/Glimt (17:45 GMT)
Lyon 3 v 1 FCSB (20:00 GMT)
Rangers 3 v 1 Fenerbahce (20:00 GMT)
Tottenham Hotspur 0 v 1 AZ Alkmaar (20:00 GMT)