Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker:
Looking to open their Europa League adventure with a flurry at Old Trafford, Manchester United will host Real Sociedad on Thursday night.
Manchester United
Starting with the hosts, while Manchester United might have found themselves in the midst of a public nightmare when opening the 2022/23 campaign, the former Premier League champions have come roaring back. Last seen over the weekend keeping up their red-hot momentum with a 3-1 romp against Arsenal at Old Trafford, new boss Erik ten Hag should find the mood in his camp at a real high. Shocking almost everyone across England last month as they picked up a 2-1 victory against title contenders Liverpool, the former Ajax boss now finds his side in the midst of a four-match winning run. Skyrocketing their way up the Premier League table, United will be desperate to keep up that momentum here. Picking up back-to-back wins at Old Trafford against Arsenal and Liverpool, ten Hag could be calling on England international Marcus Rashford to spearhead their charge on Thursday night. Bagging a brace over the weekend, the 24-year-old has already notched three top-flight strikes so far this season.
Team News
After being dropped from Premier League duties over the past few weeks, Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo could be handed a full return on Thursday night.
Making the blockbuster move from Real Madrid in a deal worth £70million, five-time Champions League winner Casemiro could make his full Manchester United debut here.
Real Sociedad
As for the visitors, while Real Sociedad might have suffered just a single defeat from their opening four La Liga matchups this season, Imanol Alguacil s men have the feel of a side seeking some stability. However, while the Spanish outfit might have been blown away on August 21st as they were hit with a 4-1 drumming at home against Barcelona, they did put in a largely gritty display over the weekend. Eventually mounting a second-half comeback against Atletico Madrid as they played out a 1-1 draw in the Basque Country, the Erreala are seeking a clinical edge in the final third. Knowing that they face a tough test when they make the trip to a high-flying Old Trafford on Thursday night, it should be noted that Sociedad do hold a downbeat European record on the road. Aside from a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Sturm Graz 11 months ago, that is the only win that Alguacil s men have collected from their previous seven Europa League showdowns away from the Anoeta Stadium.
Team News
Real Sociedad will be without central defender Robin Le Normand when they make the trip to Old Trafford on Thursday night.
Likewise, Alguacil s side will also be without the trio of Martin Merquelanz, Mikel Oyarzabal and Carlos Fernández here.
Key Factors to Consider
