Manchester United is set to face a pivotal match of the season as they welcome Real Sociedad for the second leg of their Europa League encounter.
After returning from Spain with a commendable 1-1 draw, which could have easily turned into a victory, the team is determined to overcome past disappointments at the Theatre of Dreams.
Despite their inconsistencies in the league, Manchester United has demonstrated a solid performance in European competitions, where the slower tempo of play has benefited the squad.
In anticipation of the upcoming match, Sociedad’s manager Imanol Alguacil commented on Ruben Amorim’s team, noting that their recent performance did not come as a surprise to him.
Real Sociedad manager on Manchester United.
This is not the first encounter between Sociedad and United, as Imanol Alguacil previously faced Erik ten Hag in 2022, a match notable for Ten Hag’s memorable three-word appeal that remains relevant today.
Consequently, Alguacil is a coach well-acquainted with United, irrespective of the current manager, a point he emphasized in a recent statement.
In a press conference prior to the second leg, he encouraged everyone to look past United’s current league standing in England, affirming their capabilities.
He expressed that he was ‘not surprised’ by United’s ability to secure a draw against Arsenal in their last match, reinforcing his belief in their status as a ‘great team.’
Alguacil remarked (as reported by Mundo Deportivo): “Similar to the first leg, we can expect to see a highly competitive team. I was not taken aback by their performance at Anoeta.
“I have stated they are a great team; it is no coincidence that Arsenal could not secure a victory here. This indicates that the team is functioning effectively.”
Man Utd are favourites vs Sociedad
It is not an overstatement to assert that among all the teams still competing in the Europa League, United possesses the most formidable squad on paper.
The primary obstacles to their success could be self-sabotage or a confrontation with another Premier League team, with Spurs still in contention but teetering after their defeat to AZ in the first leg.
The tempo of European matches aligns more favorably with United’s style than the physically demanding nature of the Premier League, allowing players like Casemiro to thrive in the available space.
Unquestionably, they are expected to advance against Sociedad, a fact that Alguacil has emphasized to his players to prevent any sense of complacency.
Similarly, Amorim will endeavor to keep his players focused and alert.
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