Alejandro Garnacho Manchester United
After being knocked out of the FA Cup last weekend, Manchester United will face off against Real Sociedad at Reale Arena in the first leg of the Europa League last-16 tonight.
The Red Devils are languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table, hence, their only chance of qualifying for the Champions League next term is by winning the Europa League.
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On the other hand, La Real have had a disappointing campaign this season, sitting in mid-table in La Liga. Moreover, they will be coming into this game off the back of two consecutive defeats against Real Madrid and Barcelona in Copa del Rey and La Liga.
As per team news, Lisandro Martínez and Amad Diallo’s season is over due to injury. Moreover, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans, Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo and Altay Bayindir are also unavailable.
Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte picked up issues in the last game vs Fulham. They haven’t travelled with the squad, therefore, they are set to miss out on this game as well.
But, the good news is Toby Collyer has returned to training after recovering from his problem and also travelled with the team.
Patrick Dorgu has been handed a three-game domestic suspension but is available for selection in this European encounter tonight. Chido Obi isn’t eligible to play the Europa League games for United this campaign.
Expected Man Utd line-up vs Real Sociedad
Ruben Amorim is expected to make three changes in his starting Xl from last weekend’s defeat against Fulham but Andre Onana is set to keep hold of his place in goal.
Amid Maguire’s absence, Matthijs de Ligt should be deployed in the CCB position, while Noussair Mazraoui might be on the left. Leny Yoro is likely to be the LCB.
Dorgu may return to the LWB position and Diogo Dalot could be on the opposite side. Casemiro is likely to be paired up with Bruno Fernandes in the engine room, while Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee could be the two CAMs.
Rasmus Hojlund would continue leading the line for the Red Devils despite his poor performances. Here’s the predicted Man Utd line-up: