Evaluating Real Sociedad vs MU squad strength: The Red Devils are the favorites

Both teams have quality players in their squads, but are also facing certain problems in terms of strength. Let's analyze the strength of both squads before this match.

Real Sociedad squad: A mix of experience and youth

Real Sociedad are a highly organized and disciplined team, led by coach Imanol Alguacil. The Basque team has a solid defense and fast and skillful attackers.

Defense

Sociedad's defence will be hit by the absence of Jon Pacheco due to a muscle injury. However, the return of Jon Aramburu could provide some balance to the team. Centre-backs Robin Le Normand and Igor Zubeldia will be key players in the centre of defence. On the wings, Aihen Muñoz and Aramburu will provide defensive and attacking support.

Midfield

Sociedad's midfield is filled with quality names like Martin Zubimendi, one of the best defensive midfielders in La Liga at the moment. He will combine with Mikel Merino and Brais Méndez to form a trio that controls the ball well and is capable of launching effective attacks.

attack

Sociedad's attack has plenty of options with versatile players. Takefusa Kubo is a big threat with his pace and dribbling ability. Mikel Oyarzabal remains the leader up front with his goalscoring and assist-making ability, while Orri Oskarsson, who has four goals in the Europa League this season, is a potential option.

Manchester United squad: A mix of class and instability

Manchester United under Ruben Amorim are still looking for consistency, especially with their injury problems. However, the team still has excellent individuals who can make a difference.

Defense

Man United's defence is suffering major losses with Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans all injured. This forces Amorim to use the central defender trio Matthijs de Ligt, Victor Lindelof and Leny Yoro, or experiment with Noussair Mazraoui in the right-sided centre-back role.

Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu will play important roles on the wings, taking on both defensive and attacking duties. Goalkeeper Andre Onana remains the number one choice in goal, but he needs to improve his form to avoid regrettable mistakes.

Midfield

Man United's midfield features Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, a duo that provide solid defensive work from a distance. However, they will face a lot of pressure from Sociedad's creative midfield. Bruno Fernandes remains the team's conductor, creating chances and contributing to the attack.

attack

Man United's attack is not really stable when Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are not in the best form. However, Alejandro Garnacho is a notable name with speed and the ability to create breakthroughs. Bruno Fernandes can be pushed up to play higher to support the attack.

Compare squad strength

Overall, Manchester United have a better squad in terms of individuals, but Real Sociedad have more stability in their playing style and better ability to combine positions.

Pre-match review

Real Sociedad will use their home advantage to put pressure on Man United from the start. Meanwhile, the English team will need to fix their defensive problems if they want a positive result. This will be a game where both teams play cautiously, but there will also be moments of brilliance from the stars.

Prediction: Real Sociedad 2-2 Manchester United