Manchester United face Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday evening, so we simulated the clash to predict the final score.
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Rasmus Hojlund made it 1-0 to United
Rasmus Hojlund made it 1-0 to United(Image: EA Sports)
Manchester United kick off their Europa League knockout campaign later today, with Ruben Amroim's side taking on Real Sociedad in the Round of 16.
After finishing third in the Europa League League Phase, United automatically booked their spot in the Round of 16, with Real Sociedad setting up the clash with Amorim's side after beating FC Midtjylland 7-3 in the Play-Off Round. Amorim's side will travel to Spain for the first leg, but United have travelled with a depleted squad due to an extensive injury list.
A penalty shootout defeat saw United knocked out of the FA Cup last weekend, and with Amorim's side currently 14th in the Premier League, winning the Europa League is United's only chance of European football next season. So, can United pick up a big win in the Europa League later today? Let's have a look.
Real Sociedad vs Man United score predicted
To complete this simulation, we used EA FC 25 and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions.
We predict that the hosts could line up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, with their starting XI as follows: Marrero; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Munoz; Zubimendi; Kubo, Mendez, Sucic, Barrenetxea; Oyarzabal.
We predict that United could set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with their line-up as follows: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Yoro; Dalot, Fernandes, Casemiro, Dorgu; Zirkzee, Garnacho; Hojlund.
A strong start from United saw them cause trouble for Real Sociedad in the opening stages of the game, with Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee both being denied by good saves as the visitors looked to take the lead in Spain. The best chance of the half fell to Rasmus Hojlund when Patrick Dorgu picked him out in the box, but his header from close range was glanced wide.
United were in full control, but alarm bells rang when Sociedad hit the post not long after the restart following a swift counterattacking move. Amorim's side continued to push for the opener, and 67 minutes in, it was United who went ahead.
Rasmus Hojlund made it 1-0 to United
Rasmus Hojlund made it 1-0 to United(Image: EA Sports)
A one-two between Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot saw the latter break free down the right, and the defender did well to pick out Hojlund just inside the box with a driven cross. Hojlund dropped his shoulder to create a pocket of space and shoot, with his effort curling into the far corner to make it 1-0.
United looked in control, but Sociedad went up a gear in the final 20 minutes, with Amorim's side suddenly on the back foot. Some brave defending saw United withhold the hosts' pressure until added time, but in the 92nd minute, the Spanish side grabbed an equaliser when Takefusa Kubo slid in at the back post to tap a rebound in from close range.
EA FC 25 pre
What do you think the final score will be? Let us know in the comments!