Manchester United understands that a win against Real Sociedad on Thursday evening will guarantee their advancement to the quarter-finals of the Europa League. The Red Devils played to a 1-1 draw in Spain last week, with Joshua Zirkzee’s initial goal being equalized by a penalty awarded to the home team.
Given that United is currently positioned in the lower half of the Premier League standings, the Europa League offers the club its most viable opportunity to secure a place in next season’s Champions League. Should United triumph in this tournament, it could result in as many as six English teams participating in the Champions League, as the Premier League is likely to receive an additional qualification spot due to its impressive UEFA season coefficient ranking.
As United aims to overcome Sociedad, attention will shift to the subsequent round and the potential opponents they may encounter in the quarter-finals, contingent upon their success against Sociedad. Additionally, if Amorim’s team progresses, there is a player who risks facing a suspension if he receives a caution on Thursday.
Who could United play in the Europa League quarter final?
Should United secure a victory over Sociedad, they will face either the French club Lyon or FCSB, previously known as FC Steaua București, in the quarter-finals. The draw for the round of 16 has already outlined the entire tournament structure, allowing the Red Devils to anticipate their potential semi-final opponents by late Thursday, should they progress to that stage.
Lyon currently holds a 3-1 advantage from their first leg against FCSB, with the return match scheduled to take place in France. The Ligue 1 team is considered the strong favorite to move forward. Earlier in the league phase, United triumphed over FCSB with a 2-0 victory in Romania at the end of January, thanks to goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo, who scored within an eight-minute span.
If United advances, they could potentially encounter one of four teams in the semi-finals: Rangers, Fenerbahce, Athletic Club, or AS Roma. Rangers are currently leading their round of 16 matchup against Fenerbahce with a score of 3-1, while Roma holds a 2-1 lead over Athletic Club. Additionally, there is a possibility of an all-English final, as Tottenham Hotspur is positioned on the opposite side of the draw from United.
Casemiro on suspension tightrope
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro may participate for Manchester United on Thursday due to injuries affecting that position. The former Real Madrid player is currently the only member of the United squad with two yellow cards. Should he receive a third yellow card during the European campaign, he would be ineligible for the first leg of the quarter-finals, assuming United advances. According to UEFA regulations, all yellow cards are carried over from the group stage to the knockout rounds.
These cards will only be cleared after the quarter-finals. Additionally, any player who accumulates a third yellow card in the second leg of a quarter-final will face a suspension for the first leg of the semi-finals. A player can only be suspended for a final if they receive a red card in the second leg of the semi-finals. Real Sociedad has three players at risk of suspension: Brais Mendez, Igor Zubeldia, and Jon Olasagasti, each having received two cautions.
In related news, Manchester United is said to have made an early bid for a defender from Barcelona as part of their proactive summer transfer strategy.
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