Manchester United vs Real Sociedad Prediction: Bruno to inspire home side

Manchester United’s entire season rests on tonight. They are out of both domestic cups and sit 14th in the Premier League with little to no hope of finishing in the European spots. That means the entire success of their 2024/25 campaign rests on whether they can get past Real Sociedad at Old Trafford (20:00, TNT Sports 1) tonight.

The first leg in Spain finished 1-1, giving United a perfect chance to progress to the quarter-finals, where they will likely face Lyon after they beat FCSB 3-1 in their first leg. Winning this competition would mean Champions League football next season, which would solve a lot of their financial issues. Below you can find my Manchester United vs Real Sociedad predictions. 

Manchester United vs Real Sociedad Odds

Team News

Ruben Amorim gave a pretty comprehensive run down of United’s injury issues ahead of this massive clash. "Mason Mount is too soon," confirmed the manager at Carrington in his pre-match press conference. 

"Leny [Yoro] is out. Harry Maguire cannot play this one. I hope to have him for Sunday.

"Manu [Ugarte] is in the squad and I think there is no-one returning.

"No, no [Yoro's absence] is not long term. Leny cannot play this game and the other game [Leicester]."

Amongst the absentees are Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo. 

Meanwhile, promising young talent Chido Obi is ineligible for this competition, but Harry Amass and Jack Fletcher are registered and should feature on the bench. 

For Real Sociedad Luka Sucic and Jon Aramburu are both doubts and it looks as though the duo will not be fit for this Thursday night test. They’ve both missed training this week with knee and foot issues respectively, while Jon Pacheco is definitely out of action for this one. 

On a positive note, star man Martin Zubimendi, who shone for Spain in the second half of the final of Euro 2024 against England has recovered from the illness that meant he missed the first leg. Alvaro Odriozola and Arsen Zakharyan are also in contention to make the squad after fitness problems while Mikel Oyarzabal and Takefusa Kubo could be reinstated into the attack. 

Manchester United vs Real Sociedad Odds

Manchester United are the obvious favourites for tonight's clash, priced at 19/20 to take the win in 90 minutes, giving them an implied win probability of 51%. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad can be backed at 16/5 to dump United out in normal time with a win, while a draw that would force extra-time is 12/5. 

Over 2.5 goals is 6/5 and BTTS is 1/1 having come in during the first leg. If you fancy a first goalscorer, Bruno Fernandes leads the market at 6/1, having scored a free-kick against Arsenal last time out. 

Manchester United to win and BTTS @ 7/2

I’ve leant towards this selection a few times recently and I’m going to go for it again. Old Trafford is going to be crackling under the lights and the importance of this fixture for the Red Devils really cannot be overstated. I think they will get the job done in 90 minutes, based on a sheer will to win, with the likes of Fernandes certain to step up the plate. 

Obviously they’ve been poor this season, but you have to say there has been improvement of late. They put in a solid showing against Arsenal and Jim Ratcliffe’s press run, and the promise of a new stadium should have injected some life into this fanbase. I’m expecting Old Trafford to get them over the line in this one, as Real Sociedad have failed to win any of their last four outings and sit 11th in La Liga.

However, I will give them a goal because especially with Maguire out, I can’t back United to keep a clean sheet. The home side have conceded in their last eight outings in all competitions, including against the likes of Ipswich Town and Everton. Should be another exciting encounter. 

Bruno Fernandes to score anytime @ 9/4

The main man. Arguably United’s only top-class talent at this moment in time, and the captain. He’s been the man to produce on so many occasions since joining the club, and now his team need him more than ever. I think we are getting really good value on Fernandes to score anytime, given United lack a goalscoring number nine with both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund hit and miss. 

Fernandes is also the first choice penalty taker, and will take the free-kicks around the edge of the box, giving him plenty of shooting opportunties. Bruno should be able to produce on this big night for United. 

Offers

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