Old Trafford sets the stage for the return leg of an evenly-poised Europa League last-16 tie between Manchester United and Real Sociedad.
Last midweek’s first leg in San Sebastian ended 1-1 as Imanol Alguacil’s side fought back from a second-half deficit to secure a fighting chance in England.
Joshua Zirkzee, who fired the Red Devils in front at the Reale Arena, led the line on Sunday when Arsenal held Ruben Amorim’s side to a gut-wrenching 1-1 draw on this ground.
Though that day started with fans’ mass protests against the club’s clueless ownership, United showed spirit and determination against the Premier League runners-up.
Declan Rice’s late equaliser cancelled Bruno Fernandes’ opener towards the end of the first half, potentially curtailing Man Utd’s spirits ahead of this season-defining clash.
**Last saving grace**
There’s no need to waste words on United’s league campaign.
Devastated supporters can’t forget this season soon enough, as the Red Devils look destined for a first bottom-half finish in the Premier League era.
Premature eliminations in the FA Cup and League Cup added insult to injury, leaving the Europa League as the last chance for Man Utd to avoid a first trophyless season in three years.
Lifting the crown in Europe’s second-best competition would be a small consolation, yet it would likely settle fans’ nerves for a while and potentially ignite Amorim’s faltering tenure.
However, the 20-time English champions would be naive to take this fixture for granted despite boasting an all-important home advantage in the decisive second leg.
**Feeble fortress**
Man Utd’s epic fall from grace has seen Old Trafford lose its long-standing air of invincibility that used to strike fear into visitors’ hearts for decades.
That rang particularly true at the tail-end of 2024 when the Red Devils lost three consecutive home matches for the first time since 1979.
Amorim’s charges have slightly improved since the calendar year flipped to 2025, racking up four wins from eight competitive outings at the Theatre of Dreams (D2, L2).
Worryingly, they head into proceedings winless in back-to-back home games, including a frustrating FA Cup exit at the hands of Fulham on penalties.
As if that’s not troubling enough, the Red Devils are without a clean sheet in 11 home matches across all competitions, including a 2-1 win against Rangers in their last Europa League clash on this ground.
**Indomitable Europa League record**
That victory against the Scottish heavyweights forms part of Man Utd’s incredible run of just one defeat from their last 28 Europa League home fixtures (W21, D6).
Ominously for the home support, the only expectation to this remarkable spell of form came against none other than upcoming rivals Sociedad in September 2022.
Confidence comes from United’s undefeated European record this season (W4, D5), and the fact they’ve won their last three home matches this competition, scoring multiple goals on each occasion.
But there’s no room for complacency, considering the Red Devils have only kept one clean sheet across their last seven home games in Europe (W5, D2), conceding four times across three meetings with La Liga clubs.
**Failure is not an option**
Man Utd must do whatever it takes to progress from this tie.
Sociedad’s sobering run in the build-up to this trip can encourage Amorim’s side, with the Spaniards losing three of their last four competitive matches (D1).
Furthermore, the visitors’ underwhelming historic record on these shores (W1, D1, L2) can inspire further optimism among the United faithful.
United fans can hardly handle another disappointment, and it’s up to Amorim’s charges to finally give the Old Trafford crowd something to cheer for this season.
It won’t be straightforward, but Man Utd should lock down a quarter-final berth.