Europa League: Old Trafford is Becoming the Theatre of Dreams Again

Manchester United vs Real Sociedad

Manchester United aim to bring their impressive Premier League form when they’ll host Real Sociedad for their first Europa League game of the 2022-23 season.

What a difference a few weeks can make as the Red Devils have now turned the corner following a horrific two-game losing streak to kick off the Erik ten Hag era.

The last time Manchester United were in the Europa League, they lost in the final to Villarreal so they’re seeking redemption to finally end their five-year trophy drought.

Just to be clear, the Red Devils would rather not be in this competition since they feel that they belong in the Champions League. But now that they’re here, they are going to tackle this challenge head on. 

Talking Points

Manchester United now look like a cohesive unit

The mood at Old Trafford has shifted from gloomy to jubilant. After sinking down to the relegation mire in the Premier League, the Red Devils have risen to fifth thanks to their four-game winning streak.

Erik ten Hag gets all the plaudits for stamping his authority in the dressing room, which includes making the tough decisions and staying composed especially during their heavy defeats to Brighton and Brentford.

Benching the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luke Shaw, and Harry Maguire has worked since it gave players like Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, and Tyrell Malacia chances to shine. It also helps that they’ve added Casemiro and Antony to their ranks before the conclusion of the summer transfer window.

Christian Eriksen has also been a revelation for Manchester United with his steadying presence. The Denmark international has connected well with current captain Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay in midfield.

With matches coming in thick and fast, the Red Devils need all hands on deck in order to sustain their momentum, so ten Hag might make some changes in his starting lineup to maintain fresh legs.

He may opt to start Cristiano Ronaldo, whose future at Old Trafford was once uncertain. The 37-year-old did not depart this summer despite wanting out of the squad, but ten Hag has publicly backed him, saying that he’ll be a key cog for the foreseeable future.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is still a world-class player and he’s determined to make an impact. Look for him to try and make an entry in the Europa League 2022 highlights reel come Thursday.

Real Sociedad lacking options

It’s easy to see why Real Sociedad are the underdogs since their record in Europe in recent years is not as good as it should be. In their last three participations, La Real have been booted out in the first knockout round.

Real Sociedad have made a decent start to the La Liga season with two wins, one loss, and one draw, but their lack of depth might be exposed in these next few weeks.

Talisman Mikel Oyarzabal remains sidelined due to a torn ACL while Alexander Isak is no longer with the squad since he’s already sold to Newcastle United, which leaves them with the likes of Takefusa Kubo,  Alexander Sorloth, Mohamed-Ali Cho, and David Silva as their only options up front.

History

Manchester United have Real Sociedad’s number since they’ve never lost in any of their four previous matches (W2, D2). In fact, the hosts have never conceded a goal from their visitors in the said stretch – which is the most against any other side in their history.

They are also undefeated across their last 18 home matches in the Europa League, starting with their win against FC Midtjylland in February 2016 (W14, D4).

La Real have fared poorly against English counterparts in Europe, scoring only once across six games (D2, L4).

These two sides met in the Round of 32 during the 2021 edition of this tournament where the Red Devils advanced.

Manchester United claimed a 4-0 win in the first leg, although they were held to a goalless draw in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes (twice), Marcus Rashford, and Daniel James all scored in the away leg.

Betting Tip 

Manchester United are favoured by the SBOTOP Europa League 2022 odds for this contest and perhaps they might win it all this time around. The hosts are installed at 1.56 to win, while a Real Sociedad victory is at 5.00 and a draw is pegged at 3.50 in the 1X2 market.

Erik ten Hag has transformed the Red Devils and the whole team is oozing with confidence, so it’s difficult to envisage Real Sociedad beating them at Old Trafford.

 

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