Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs Real Sociedad: Amorim Faces Selection Headache
Fresh Injury Concerns Ahead of Crucial Europa League Tie
Manchester United’s preparations for their Europa League last-16 first-leg encounter with Real Sociedad have been disrupted by fresh injury setbacks. Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte have both been ruled out of tonight’s trip to Spain, leaving manager Ruben Amorim with limited options in defence and midfield.
Maguire’s absence is a particular blow, with the defender forced off before extra time in the FA Cup loss to Fulham. Ugarte, a key figure in midfield, also sustained a knock in the same match and has not travelled with the squad. Amorim admitted that United are taking a cautious approach with both players, stating:
“Small things. So we are being careful with them because, in this moment, we cannot allow us to lose more players for a long time. We are taking care of them in Carrington and they cannot play this game because it will be a greater risk.”
Squad Depth Tested Once Again
United’s squad has been stretched thin throughout the season, and Amorim is again without several key names. Kobbie Mainoo remains weeks away from returning, while Lisandro Martinez and Amad Diallo will not feature again this campaign.
Luke Shaw, Altay Bayindir, Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton, and Mason Mount are also sidelined, leaving United’s defensive and midfield options depleted. Young forward Chido Obi is ineligible for this stage of the competition, meaning he will not feature.
There is some positive news, however, with Toby Collyer returning to fitness after missing the last four matches. The 21-year-old midfielder has travelled to Spain and will be in contention for selection.
Predicted Man Utd XI vs Real Sociedad
Amorim must find solutions in both defence and midfield, with United likely to line up in a three-man backline featuring Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Ayden Heaven. In midfield, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes are expected to anchor the team, with Patrick Dorgu offering width on the left.
Predicted Man Utd XI (3-4-3):
Goalkeeper: Onana
Defenders: Yoro, De Ligt, Heaven
Midfielders: Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu
Forwards: Zirkzee, Garnacho, Hojlund
Injured: Shaw, Bayindir, Evans, Heaton, Mainoo, Mount, Amad, Martinez, Maguire, Ugarte
Ineligible: Obi
Match Details
- Time and Date: 5.45pm GMT, Thursday 6 March 2025
- Venue: Reale Arena (Anoeta), Sociedad
- TV Channel and Live Stream: TNT Sports
