European nights bring out the best in football drama. Manchester United’s clash with Real Sociedad proves this perfectly. This story of two-legged tension has fans on the edge of their seats. Therefore, let us break down everything from the first leg and preview the decisive return fixture.
The first leg in San Sebastian ended in a 1-1 draw. Joshua Zirkzee gave United the lead with a stunning strike. However, Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty levelled the scores before half-time. This journey through the tie reveals why both sides still believe they can progress to the quarter-finals.
First Leg Recap: How the 1-1 Draw Unfolded
The match remained scoreless for nearly an hour in San Sebastian. Joshua Zirkzee finally broke the deadlock in the 57th minute. His well-struck shot from just outside the box gave United the lead [citation:5]. Consequently, the Dutch forward redeemed himself after missing a penalty in the FA Cup shootout loss to Fulham.
United’s advantage lasted only a few minutes. Bruno Fernandes conceded a handball inside his own penalty area. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up and calmly converted the resulting spot-kick [citation:5]. The life of the tie changed dramatically in that moment. Therefore, the match finished 1-1 with everything to play for.
United goalkeeper Andre Onana made two crucial saves late in the game. Sociedad pressed hard for a winner as the home crowd roared. Nevertheless, Ruben Amorim’s men held firm until the final whistle [citation:5]. Consequently, the tie remains perfectly balanced heading to Old Trafford.
Injury Crisis: United’s Threadbare Squad
Manchester United face Real Sociedad with a severely depleted squad. Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte both picked up knocks in the FA Cup against Fulham. Neither travelled to Spain for the first leg [citation:1][citation:4]. Therefore, United’s injury list continues to grow at an alarming rate.
The club left FIVE Europa League squad spots empty for this fixture. Competition rules allow teams to name 12 substitutes. United took just 18 players to Spain, meaning only seven substitutes were available [citation:1]. Consequently, Ruben Amorim faces serious selection headaches.
Long-term absentees include Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo, and Kobbie Mainoo. Luke Shaw and Mason Mount also remain sidelined with ongoing issues [citation:4]. Meanwhile, Chido Obi is ineligible for the Europa League. United failed to register the young forward in their revised squad [citation:1]. Therefore, attacking options are extremely limited.
Patrick Dorgu: A Welcome Return
Patrick Dorgu provides a much-needed boost for United. The Danish wing-back serves a domestic suspension but can play in Europe. He travelled with the squad and started the first leg [citation:1][citation:4]. His pace and energy offer something different on the left flank.
Dorgu was added to United’s Europa League squad in January. The club registered him after the loan exits of Marcus Rashford and Antony. Ayden Heaven and Jack Fletcher also joined the European squad at that time [citation:6]. Consequently, Amorim has some fresh faces available despite the injury crisis.
The Danish international caused problems for Sociedad in the first leg. His direct running drew fouls and created space for teammates. Therefore, he will likely keep his place for the return fixture at Old Trafford.
Rasmus Hojlund’s Scoring Drought
Rasmus Hojlund has now gone 18 games without a goal. The young Dane looks bereft of confidence in front of goal. His Premier League tally sits at just two for the entire season [citation:4]. Nevertheless, his Europa League record tells a different story entirely.
Hojlund has bagged five goals in eight Europa League games this season. This competition seems to suit his playing style better. However, United have few alternative options up front [citation:4]. Therefore, Amorim may have no choice but to stick with the struggling striker.
Joshua Zirkzee offers a different attacking dimension. He scored the crucial away goal in the first leg. His hold-up play and link-up skills differ from Hojlund’s direct running. Consequently, Amorim could consider starting Zirkzee through the middle at Old Trafford.
Sociedad Team News: Zubimendi Fit to Start
Real Sociedad received positive injury news ahead of the tie. Martin Zubimendi came off against Barcelona with a hamstring issue. However, he has since participated fully in training. The Spanish international is expected to be fit to start [citation:6]. Therefore, Sociedad’s midfield will operate at full strength.
Jon Aramburu is available again after serving a suspension. His return adds depth to the defensive options. Meanwhile, Jon Pacheco and Arsen Zakharyan remain injured [citation:6]. Consequently, manager Imanol Alguacil has nearly a full squad to choose from.
Mikel Oyarzabal remains the hosts’ biggest attacking threat. The captain scored the penalty that levelled the first leg. His movement and finishing cause problems for any defence. Therefore, United’s back line must keep him quiet at Old Trafford.
Predicted Lineups for the Second Leg
Both managers face difficult selection decisions for the return fixture. Ruben Amorim must work around his injury crisis. Imanol Alguacil can name a near full-strength side. Therefore, the predicted lineups reflect these different circumstances [citation:4][citation:6].
Predicted Man United XI (3-4-2-1): Onana; Mazraoui, de Ligt, Yoro; Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Zirkzee, Garnacho; Hojlund.
Predicted Real Sociedad XI (4-3-3): Remiro; Elustondo, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Munoz; Mendez, Zubimendi, Marin; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Becker.
Youngsters like Ayden Heaven and Toby Collyer may feature from the bench. United’s limited squad depth means academy graduates could get minutes. Consequently, this match represents a huge opportunity for emerging talent.
What’s at Stake for Both Clubs
Manchester United’s season hangs on this Europa League campaign. The club sits 14th in the Premier League table. They have already exited both domestic cups [citation:1]. Therefore, winning this tournament represents their only route to silverware and European football next season.
Real Sociedad also value this competition highly. La Liga success has proved elusive in recent years. European glory would represent a landmark achievement for the Basque club. Consequently, both sides will leave everything on the pitch at Old Trafford.
The winners face Lyon in the quarter-finals. The French side advanced past their own last-16 tie [citation:2]. Therefore, a favourable path to the semi-finals awaits the team that progresses from this thrilling encounter.
Where to Watch Real Sociedad vs Man United
UK viewers can watch the second leg live on TNT Sports 1. Coverage begins at 5pm GMT ahead of the 5.45pm kick-off. Subscribers can also stream via the Discovery+ app [citation:4][citation:6]. Therefore, no fan needs to miss this crucial European clash.
Live radio commentary is available on BBC Radio 5 Live. The BBC Sport website will provide text updates and analysis. International broadcasters vary by region. Consequently, fans worldwide should check their local listings for coverage details.
FAQs
When did Real Sociedad vs Man United play the first leg?
The first leg took place on Thursday, March 6th, 2026. The match ended in a 1-1 draw at the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian, Spain.
Who scored for Manchester United against Real Sociedad?<brjoshua zirkzee="" scored="" united's="" goal="" in="" the="" first="" leg.="" he="" found="" net="" with="" a="" powerful="" strike="" from="" just="" outside="" penalty="" box="" 57th="" minute.
Why is Harry Maguire not playing for Man United?<brharry maguire="" picked="" up="" a="" knock="" in="" the="" fa="" cup="" match="" against="" fulham.="" he="" missed="" training="" and="" did="" not="" travel="" with="" squad="" for="" first="" leg="" real="" sociedad.
Where can I watch Man United vs Real Sociedad on TV?<bruk viewers="" can="" watch="" on="" tnt="" sports="" 1.="" the="" match="" also="" streams="" live="" discovery+="" app.="" kick-off="" is="" at="" 5.45pm="" gmt.
What happens if the tie remains level after the second leg?<brif the="" aggregate="" score="" stays="" level="" after="" 90="" minutes,="" match="" will="" go="" to="" extra="" time.="" if="" still="" tied,="" a="" penalty="" shootout="" determine="" winner.
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