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Real Sociedad 0-0 Manchester United LIVE: Red Devils desperately seeking advantage in Europa League last-16 tie
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Real Sociedad 0-0 Manchester United LIVE: Red Devils desperately seeking advantage in Europa League last-16 tie
Jack Johnson
Updated: 18:24, 6 Mar 2025
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Follow all the action as Manchester United face Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie, live on talkSPORT.
This competition represents Man United’s only chance of getting into the Champions League as they continue to struggle domestically.
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It would also give Ruben Amorim the chance to win a trophy, with the FA Cup no longer an option after losing to Fulham.
However, getting through to the quarter-finals won’t be easy as Sociedad thrashed Midtjylland 7-3 on aggregate to set this tie up.
Live commentary: talkSPORT website stream HERE, app HERE.
Real Sociedad XI: Remiro, Munoz, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Elustondo, Turrientes, Mendez, Sucic, Oyarzabal, Kubo, Barrenetxea.
Subs: Marrero, Oskarsson, Becker, Lopez, Olasagasti, Gomez, Traore, Aramburru, Marin, Martin, Beitia, Mariezkurrena.
Man United XI: Onana, Dorgu, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Yoro, Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Garnacho, Zirkzee, Hojlund.
Subs: Harrison, Mee, Amass, Heaven, Lindelof, Collyer, Eriksen.
Check out the latest Europa League odds on talkSPORT BET.
You can follow all the action in our live blog below…
a minute ago
By Jack Johnson
CHANCE! Real Sociedad 0-0 Man United
37′ That’s the best opportunity of the game!
Man United should be in front!
It’s a proper melee in the six-yard box, as Bruno Fernandes’ shot is blocked before Joshua Zirkzee sees two efforts cleared.
Real Sociedad survive…
Darren Bent live on talkSPORT: “That’s the first bit of quality from United and by Bruno’s standards, he’s got to do better.”
7 minutes ago
By Jack Johnson
Real Sociedad 0-0 Man United
33′ Patrick Dorgu looks okay to continue.
He’s been back up and running for a few minutes now.
But the game remains very slow with not much urgency.
That suits Man United more than it does Real Sociedad.
10 minutes ago
By Jack Johnson
Real Sociedad 0-0 Man United
30′ Half an hour into this first leg.
It’s certainly not been a thrilling affair so far.
Multiple injuries have slowed things down and it’s not allowed any momentum to be built for both teams.
However, Man United will be pleased with that and they’ve not had to work too hard to deal with Real Sociedad.
It’s been a decent United performance.
Darren Bent live on talkSPORT: “Sociedad have looked so comfortable up until the final third.
“It looks nice, but they’re doing nothing with it. They’re not making Man United think. It’s been easy for United so far.”
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13 minutes ago
By Jack Johnson
Real Sociedad 0-0 Man United
27′ Andre Onana is having an easy evening.
And Man United will want it to stay that way, especially considering the goalkeeper’s recent errors…
He’s not had to make a save yet with the hosts struggling to create any chances in the game so far.
Patrick Dorgu has just gone down for United and this is concerning as he’s sat on the pitch off the ball.
If he has to go off, Ruben Amorim has a real lack of replacements.
Andre Onana goalkeeper of Manchester United and Cameroon makes a save during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg match between Real Sociedad de Futbol and Manchester United at Reale Arena on March 6, 2025 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
16 minutes ago
By Jack Johnson
Real Sociedad 0-0 Man United
24′ We’ve just had a slight pause in play.
Any players who are observing Ramadan were allowed a small break to break their fast on the sidelines.
After play restarts, the game remains a battle.
Neither side have had prolonged spells on the ball and we’re yet to have a major chance at either end.
Aritz Elustondo looks to have potentially picked up an issue, so that could be a concern for Real Sociedad.
19 minutes ago
By Jack Johnson
Real Sociedad 0-0 Man United
21′ There’s half a chance for Man United.
Diogo Dalot is brilliantly played in down the right and he breaks into the box, with Rasmus Hojlund across from him.
But the wing-back decides against passing to Hojlund and cuts in, before the move slows down.
Patrick Dorgu then receives a pass on the edge before firing high and wide with his weaker right foot.
Darren Bent live on talkSPORT: “If you look at Hojlund, he’s not happy at all. And rightly so.”
22 minutes ago
By Jack Johnson
Real Sociedad 0-0 Man United
18′ Both teams are just missing that final piece so far.
We’ve seen some neat build-up but not much quality from then on, with no joy being had in the final thirds.
The home support groan as Takefusa Kubo loses possession on the right wing and Man United look to break.
Benat Turrientes has just fired wide for the hosts too.
Darren Bent live on talkSPORT: “If you can give the United attack the right service, the Sociedad defence won’t be able to deal with it.”
25 minutes ago
By Jack Johnson
Real Sociedad 0-0 Man United
15′ A quarter of an hour gone.
Man United will be pleased with their start, and they’re dealing well with the high press of Real Sociedad.
Garnacho’s chance has been the best for either side so far.
The hosts look very spritely on and off the ball, but they’re yet to cause any problems to this United defence.
Manchester United’s Danish striker #09 Rasmus Hojlund (L) vies for the ball with Real Sociedad’s Spanish midfielder #22 Benat Turrientes during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 first let football match between Real Sociedad and Manchester United at Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian on March 6, 2025. (Photo by ANDER GILLENEA / AFP) (Photo by ANDER GILLENEA/AFP via Getty Images)
28 minutes ago
By Jack Johnson
Real Sociedad 0-0 Man United
12′ From that corner, Real Sociedad clear.
Another cross then comes in and finds Leny Yoro whose flick is deflected into the hands of Alex Remiro.
Rasmus Hojlund then lays off Alejandro Garnacho on the next attack and Remiro is there again to save easily.
Man United are growing in confidence in Spain.
Darren Bent live on talkSPORT: “The link-up between Dorgu, Fernandes and Hojlund looks good.
“Hojlund is looking sharp.”
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30 minutes ago
By Jack Johnson
Real Sociedad 0-0 Man United
9′ Man United make their first move forward.
Rasmus Hojlund holds the ball up very well.
He’s brought down and appeals for a foul but nothing is given, so he gets straight back up to fight for it.
That attack ends up breaking down until the next move forward ends in a corner and a potential chance for United.
33 minutes ago
By Jack Johnson
Real Sociedad 0-0 Man United
6′ It’s been a very stop-start clash so far.
Foul after foul is being made from both teams and neither side have been able to settle into the tie.
Real Sociedad are pressing very high and getting right onto Man United when they’re in possession.
United will have to be inch perfect to avoid losing the ball in dangerous positions.
37 minutes ago
By Jack Johnson
Real Sociedad 0-0 Man United
3′ A couple of early fouls conceded by Man United.
Alejandro Garnacho and Noussair Mazraoui commit them.
Mazrouai is playing on the left of the back three while Patrick Dorgu is in front of him at wing-back.
Diogo Dalot is at right wing-back.
40 minutes ago
By Jack Johnson
KICK-OFF! Real Sociedad 0-0 Man United
1′ We’re underway in Spain!
The Real Sociedad fans are creating a superb atmosphere, with every fan standing to sing their anthem before kick-off.
They’ll believe they can win this tie.
But Man United have to come out on top to keep their season alive, so winning this first leg would be a perfect start.
46 minutes ago
By Jack Johnson
All set!
Here we go, kick-off is only a few moments away.
A reminder that you can listen to live coverage of the game on talkSPORT, with Andy Goldstein your host.
Commentary will be coming from Jim Proudfoot and former England striker Darren Bent.
To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
Stick with us here too, as we’ll have minute-by-minute updates.
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – MARCH 6: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United reacts prior to the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg match between Real Sociedad de Futbol and Manchester United at Reale Arena on March 6, 2025 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
51 minutes ago
By Jack Johnson
‘It can change everything for us’
Ruben Amorim knows how important winning the Europa League is for Manchester United this season.
The United boss doesn’t believe getting his hands on the trophy is critical, but he does understand the benefits it would have.
“I think it’s not the crucial thing for the future of the club,” Amorim said ahead of this game. “That is my view.
“I’m here for three months and I think that is clear, but I understand it’s a massive difference in our season, especially because we are out of the cups and in a bad position in the league.
“That [winning the Europa League] could change a lot of things, even the way they see the coach.
“So I know it’s a massive pressure but I will say it again: Manchester United can call all the best players, even without Champions League in the future.
“We have to change a lot of things and we’re trying to do that. There’s more important things than winning cups in this moment.
“That is my feeling, but I understand winning Europa League can change everything for us in the next season.”
We’re 10 minutes away from kick-off in Spain…
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – MARCH 06: Casemiro of Manchester United shoots during the warm up prior to the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg match between Real Sociedad de Futbol and Manchester United at Reale Arena on March 06, 2025 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – MARCH 06: A general view as players of Real Sociedad warm up prior to the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg match between Real Sociedad de Futbol and Manchester United at Reale Arena on March 06, 2025 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
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56 minutes ago
By Jack Johnson
Unlikely favourites
Many have tipped Real Sociedad to be the favourites in this Europa League last 16 tie against Man United.
But manager Imanol Alguacil has shut down those claims, saying anyone who believes that ‘doesn’t know what football is’.
Alguacil said: “They are a great team in Europe, with a great history, and that we are able to face them these years is a positive thing. They have a great team with a great coach.
“In the league, they are not having results, but in play they are doing things well, different.
“I expect a tough opponent – not because of their history, but because of their players. It will be very difficult and we will have to give everything to compete.
“If someone has us as favourites, they don’t know what football is and what we have in front of us.
“Despite the injuries they have, they have great players, and I am not going to lack respect for a team like this.”
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 26: Imanol Alguacil, Head Coach of Real Sociedad, gestures during the Copa del Rey Semi Final match between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid at Reale Arena on February 26, 2025 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Today, 17:22
By Jack Johnson
Pre-match facts
Real Sociedad have won just one of their previous six European encounters against Manchester United (D2 L3), with that win coming in the group stage of this competition at Old Trafford in September 2022. They won that game 1-0 courtesy of a Brais Méndez penalty, which remains their only goal against them.
Man Utd are averaging 18.8 shots per game in the UEFA Europa League this season, the most of any side still in the competition and their best ratio in a European season on record (since 2003-04). They also have the highest average sequence time (12.9 seconds), passes per sequence (4.5) and possession (61.2%).
Real Sociedad have failed to progress from any of their previous four last 16 ties in major European competition, since knocking German side 1. FC Köln out of the UEFA Cup back in 1988-89.
Today, 17:15
By Jack Johnson
Maintaining confidence
Despite the claims against his tactics, Ruben Amorim still maintains self-belief heading into the back end of the season.
His side’s last chance at European football next campaign comes in this competition and a loss in the last 16 would end all hopes – so they have to win.
When asked if he still believes he and United can succeed, Amorim said: “Yes. What I mean is that we have to think as a club, as a long project and not just solve things in this moment.
“And if we win the cup, we are in a bad position, and if we win the Europa League, we will be in an amazing position in the next year, because the problems would continue here even with the Champions League.
“That’s what I want to say and I know you guys make counts of my reasoning. I’m just trying to show I don’t care and I’m really confident on the big goal of this club, that’s all.
“I’m trying to show the big picture to our supporters.
“I know what to do. Sometimes, this is the result, it’s a life of results and you have to win games. I know the consequences when we don’t win games but I’m really confident.
“Since day one, I’m a little bit more frustrated but I’m still confident.”
Today, 17:10
By Jack Johnson
Tactical change needed?
Ruben Amorim has shown no sign of switching his system despite the lack of success so far at Man United.
His three-at-the-back line-up, with two wing-backs and two narrow forwards in behind a striker, continues to be used.
And it will still be the case for United this evening.
However, former Premier League manager Slaven Bilic has questioned why he keeps sticking with that way of playing.
The 56-year-old told talkSPORT’s ‘The LineUp’: “I mean, what’s the point?
“I defend every manager, but if you don’t have wing backs then why [play that way]?”
He continued: “When I watch Man United, Man United never played with three at the back.
“They have always played with good fullbacks and good wingers. Always.
“But now, if you don’t have the players, then what’s the point?”
Credit: Getty
Today, 17:05
By Jack Johnson
Pre-match facts
Man Utd have lost just one of their last eight away games against Spanish opposition in Europe (W5 D2), however that defeat did come in their most recent such encounter, losing 3-0 at Sevilla in the second leg of the 2022-23 UEFA Europa League quarter final.
Real Sociedad have never beaten an English side on home soil in Europe (D1 L3), failing to score in each of the last three matches (all against Man Utd). They are, however, one of six sides to score in 100% of their UEFA Europa League games this season (10/10), with Man Utd also doing so (8/8).
Today, 16:55
By Jack Johnson
‘I’m trying to manage everything’
Ruben Amorim explained why he hasn’t taken more academy players to fill up his bench in his pre-match press conference.
Man United only have seven substitutes and two are goalkeepers, with the only senior players on the bench being Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen.
Amorim said: “When I put the squad, I see the players that I have that train with us and then I imagine the substitutions.
“That’s why I sometimes call it one or two. Then I’m trying to see if they train with us. Then I’m trying to see if they come here to play or be on the bench, for you guys to be seeing a lot of youth.
“I’m trying to manage everything. I know it’s a big step for them. I’m trying to cope with everything.
“When I do my squad, I’m trying to think about every aspect, of the formation of the kid, of the squad and not if it will look really well with the fans and the media.”
He added: “We try to manage all the teams and try to imagine the substitutions and we know to bring some players is a big step.
“We are taking care of the expectations of the kids.”
Credit: Getty
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Today, 16:45
By Jack Johnson
Striker struggles
It would be hard to pick out one particular issue with Manchester United, but an obvious one is up front.
The Red Devils have two senior strikers to pick from in Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, and they both start this evening.
However, both are still massively struggling.
Hojlund hasn’t scored a goal in 18 matches and looks short on confidence, though he has five in the Europa League.
Meanwhile, Zirkzee has five goals all year across all competitions and just missed the decisive penalty against Fulham.
Both are still young and have time to turn it around, but as it stands, neither is the striker Man United need.
Teenager Chido Obi has started to feature but he is ineligible to play in Europe due to UEFA rules.
Will this game be the one for United’s frontmen to find the net?
Today, 16:36
By Jack Johnson
Team news!
The teams are in for this early kick-off in Spain.
Man United have made three changes from their FA Cup defeat to Fulham at the weekend.
Alejandro Garnacho starts alongside Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund with Christian Eriksen dropping out.
Manuel Ugarte and Harry Maguire are injured, so Noussair Mazraoui is part of the back three and Casemiro starts.
Ruben Amorim has only been able to name seven substitutes and only two of those are senior regulars.
As for Sociedad, ex-West Ham centre-back Nayef Aguerd starts but former Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi is out.
Real Sociedad XI: Remiro, Munoz, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Elustondo, Turrientes
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