Real Sociedad chief Imanol Alguacil believes Manchester United are firm favourites to progress from their Europa League last-16 tie.
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Imanol Alguacil conducts a press conference.
Imanol Alguacil is relishing the clash with Manchester United.
(Image: Juanma - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images.)
Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil insists Manchester United are firm favourites to progress from their Europa League last-16 tie ahead of Thursday night's first leg at the Reale Arena.
After bowing out of the FA Cup at the hands of Fulham on Sunday, the Europa League offers United their last remaining hope of salvaging something from what has been a forgettable campaign.
The Reds automatically progressed to the knockout stages of the competition at the end of January after winning five and drawing three of their eight league phase matches, securing a third-placed finish.
Exiting the FA Cup and winning just once in the Premier League since, enormous pressure is on United to win the Europa League to secure both a trophy and Champions League qualification for next season.
Despite United travelling to Spain with just 18 players amid an ongoing injury crisis, Sociedad chief Alguacil insists United are favourites to win the tie and the tournament, describing them as a "great team with a great coach".
"They are a great team in Europe, with a great history, and that we are able to face them these years is a positive thing," Alguacil told reporters. "They have a great team with a great coach.
"In the league they are not having results but in play they are doing things well, different. Tomorrow I expect a tough opponent – not because of their history, but because of their players. It will be very difficult and we will have to give everything to compete.
"If someone has us as favourites, they don't know what football is and what we have in front of us. Despite the injuries they have, they have great players, and I am not going to lack respect for a team like this."
Sociedad head into the clash with United after defeats to Real Madrid (0-1) and Barcelona (0-4). However, Alguacil is relishing the opportunity to try and get the better of the Premier League side.
Two Real Sociedad players attempt to close down Barcelona's Dani Olmo.
Real Sociedad lost to Barcelona last time out.(Image: Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images.)
He continued: "Hopefully we all enjoy tomorrow, that we see a great game. We need the fans to be aware of what we have in front of us.
"These nights are the ones we wanted to live. With them everything will be easier. Hopefully we can compete like last Wednesday.
"As much as they are favourites to win the tournament, whenever I face a big team I will think that by doing things well we can win. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here.
"We have to be sensible and recognise what is ahead. You have to play it. But without being brilliant and you playing the best game, you can lose because of the quality they have."