Real Sociedad held ahead of United clash

Monday 05 September 2022 15:00

Real Sociedad were held to a 1-1 draw by Atletico Madrid at home on Saturday evening, in their last La Liga fixture before visiting Old Trafford in the UEFA Europa League later this week.

Former Chelsea forward Alvaro Morata blasted Atleti ahead after just five minutes at the Anoeta Stadium, before La Real debutant Umar Sadiq levelled the scoring ten minutes into the second half.

Morata had a second goal ruled out by VAR, enabling the hosts to secure their seventh point of the season so far. They currently occupy ninth position in the table after four games played.

Europa League fixture dates

 Article

United's Group E schedule has been confirmed, following Friday's draw.

Having beaten Cadiz and Elche by the same 1-0 scoreline, the Txuriurdin (White and Blue) have only been defeated once this term - 4-1 at home to Barcelona - as they look to build on an impressive sixth-placed finish last year.

Former striker Alexander Isak has recently departed for Premier League outfit Newcastle United, after finding the net ten times in 41 appearances for Real Sociedad during the 2021/22 campaign.

United will be buoyed by our strong record against La Real, having never lost in any of our four previous meetings. 

The last time the clubs faced each other was in February 2021, in the second leg of our Europa League Round-of-32 tie.

Although we were held 0-0 at Old Trafford, we had entered that game already four goals to the good, thanks to a B
runo Fernandes double and goals from Marcus Rashford and Dan James in the 'away' leg - it was actually played at a neutral venue, Juventus's Allianz Stadium in Turin.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's were side eventually beaten in the final of the competition in Gdansk that year, as another La Liga side, Villarreal, claimed a penalty shootout victory.

Highlights: Real Sociedad 0 United 4 Video

Highlights: Real Sociedad 0 United 4

It was a four-midable display from the Reds in the first leg of our last-32 Europa League tie...

In terms of team news, Real Sociedad reportedly picked up another problem on Saturday, with their French centre-back Robin Le Normand suffering a foot injury.

Tricky winger Mikel Oyarzabal has already been ruled out until at least October, with a ACL tear he sustained in training back in March. The Spanish international has been a key part of manager Imanol Alguaci's plans over recent seasons, finding the net 79 times in 272 appearances.

Alguaci could provide a further update on the state of his squad when both clubs hold press conferences on Wednesday, as the countdown to Thursday's Europa League opener continues.

Tickets for the match at Old Trafford are available for Official Members to buy here.

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