Manchester United are bidding to keep their season alive in the last 16 of the Europa League.
It has so far been a campaign to forget for Ruben Amorim’s struggling side, who exited the FA Cup on the weekend.
Europe’s second-tier competition is the Red Devils’ last hope of success, although a tie against Real Sociedad is far from ideal.
Here is NetBet’s latest Europa League match preview, featuring football betting tips to help with your online betting needs.
And if you are looking to place a bet on Real Sociedad vs Manchester United, you can combine multiple selections into one wager with our Bet Builder feature.
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United
Thursday, March 6, 5.45pm
Reale Arena, San Sebastian
Live on TNT Sports
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Preview
Both of these teams are being hampered by inconsistency.
United’s FA Cup exit on penalties at the hands of Fulham was yet another step backwards after a promising 3-2 top-flight win over Ipswich with 10 men.
After beating Midtjylland 7-3 on aggregate in the Europa League play-offs, Real Sociedad defeated Leganes 3-0 in La Liga, but this was then followed by consecutive defeats to Real Madrid and Barcelona – the latter by a 4-0 scoreline.
So it is hard to know what to predict when these two teams clash in Spain, given the fact they are each capable of being spectacular and also awful.
Real Sociedad are ninth in La Liga with only 10 wins in 26 matches, while United are 14th in the Premier League with just nine victories in 27 attempts.
They are records you do not usually associate with two clubs that boast serious European pedigree.
But on paper, Real Sociedad appear to have superior player weapons – compared to injury-ravaged United – ahead of this match.
Martin Zubimendi, heavily linked with a move to Arsenal, can dictate the match from midfield, while attackers Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal are capable of inflicting damage on any team in Europe.
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Odds
*All odds are subject to change
The Spanish hosts are considerable favourites here at 2.11. United are priced at 3.84 to claim a first-leg victory, while the draw is 3.13.
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Betting Tips
Takefusa Kubo to score anytime @ 4.33
Japanese winger Kubo is Real Sociedad’s top scorer in La Liga with five goals. He has also netted twice in the Europa League this season.
Manchester United first goalscorer – Bruno Fernandes @ 6.00
If United are to score in Spain this evening, you can bet talismanic captain Fernandes will be the man behind it. He is the Red Devils’ best player and always seems to turn up in the big moments.
Over 2.5 goals @ 2.17
Given the fact we are predicting two different players to score, it seems only fair to also suggest this market. The inconsistency of both teams could pave the way for a first-leg thriller!
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