Our betting expert has three Real Sociedad vs Manchester United tips for Thursday’s Europa League last-16 first leg at the Anoeta Stadium (kick-off, 5.45pm). Scroll down for the analysis behind his selections.
By Luke Weaser-Seychell
- Real Sociedad to win @ 21/20 with bet365
- Luka Sucic to score at any time @ 5/1 with bet365
- Bet Builder – Both teams to score, 2nd half to have most goals & Manuel Ugarte to be booked @ 11/1 with bet365
Depleted Red Devils face more pain in Spain
Manchester United have been knocked out of Europe by a Spanish club in six of the past seven seasons and they may struggle to snap that trend in the Europa League.
United travel to Real Sociedad for Thursday’s last-16 first leg with a severely depleted squad and they should be opposed in San Sebastian.
Ruben Amorim suffered the latest setback in a tough start to his career at Old Trafford last weekend when Fulham beat the Red Devils on penalties in the FA Cup fifth round.
Sociedad have not been in great form themselves, losing five of their last seven matches in La Liga, although they were hampered by early red cards in recent away defeats to Real Betis and Barcelona.
Their home record is solid as they beat leaders Barcelona 1-0 in November and have won their last four Europa League matches on their own patch.
The latest of those wins was last month’s 5-2 rout of Midtjylland, which sealed a 7-3 aggregate victory in the play-off round, and they should be confident of establishing a first-leg lead over United.
The Red Devils’ lengthy injury list includes key men Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo and the team languishing in 14th place in the Premier League could face more pain in Spain.
- Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Tip 1: Real Sociedad to win @ 21/20 with bet365
Shot stats suggest Sucic should trouble United
Like United, Sociedad have struggled for goals in their domestic league, finding the net only 23 times in 26 games this season.
Croatian midfielder Luka Sucic has had 35 shots in La Liga, more than any of his team-mates, and he is an eye-catching price to score against United.
Sucic is likely to start in an attacking role just behind striker Mikel Oyarzabal and, while he has scored only one league goal in 2024-25, he struck twice in his last Europa League outing against Midtjylland.
He played only 48 minutes in that game but scored twice from four attempts at goal and could pose a threat to a leaky United defence.
- Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Tip 2: Luka Sucic to score anytime @ 5/1 with bet365
Expect second-half fireworks in San Sebastian clash
Despite their domestic struggles, both clubs have been involved in some entertaining Europa League fixtures so both teams to score looks a solid first selection for the Bet Builder.
It was a winning bet in six of United’s eight league-phase games, while Sociedad won 2-1 and 5-2 in their two-legged play-off against Midtjylland.
United do tend to start matches slowly however, so backing the second half to produce the most goals also appeals.
Their last three Europa League games, (2-1 wins over Viktoria Plzen and Rangers, and a 2-0 victory at FCSB), were all goalless at half-time.
Sociedad’s midfield looks an area of strength, so United enforcer Manuel Ugarte may have to work hard to disrupt their rhythm.
The Uruguayan international has been booked eight times in just 15 Premier League starts this term, and he picked up another yellow card in the FA Cup defeat to Fulham.
- Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Tip 3: Both teams to score, 2nd half to have most goals & Manuel Ugarte to be booked @ 11/1 with bet365
