Manchester United vs. Real Sociedad live score, updates, highlights and lineups as UEFA Europa League campaign begins

Manchester United begin their European campaign at home to Real Sociedad in the opening round of UEFA Europa League Group E fixtures on Thursday.

This might not be the competition of which United want to be a part, but they reached the final back in 2020/21 after beating La Real 4-0 over two legs in a last-32 tie, so they will be keen to make a positive start and underline their credentials to go all the way this time.

Erik ten Hag’s men are in a confident mood, having extended their winning Premier League run to four games with Sunday’s 3-1 defeat of Arsenal. Sociedad, who drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid, know they will be the underdogs at Old Trafford.

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Manchester United vs. Real Sociedad live score

Manchester United vs. Real Sociedad live updates, highlights

120 mins to KO: Manchester United’s European campaign for 2022/23 gets underway today at Old Trafford. It might not be in the competition they want to be in, but having reached the final two seasons ago, the Red Devils know the Europa League represents both a second route to the Champions League and the chance of a trophy for Erik ten Hag in his first season in charge.

How to watch Manchester United vs. Real Sociedad

UK: BT Sport are the exclusive broadcasters of live Europa League matches. United’s opener is on BT Sport 1 and available on the website/app.

USA: Paramount+ will stream the match live in English, while the Spanish-language broadcast is available on TUDN.

Canada: Follow the action live exclusively on DAZN.

Australia: Fans in Australia can watch the game on via Stan Sport.

Manchester United vs. Real Sociedad predicted lineups

After two league games last week and with a trip to Crystal Palace to come on September 11, Ten Hag might well be tempted to rotate his side for this fixture.

Captain Harry Maguire could start after coming off the bench against Arsenal, while Luke Shaw might return following injury, although he did not train on Wednesday. 

Casemiro will be hoping for a full debut against familiar La Liga opposition, and Cristiano Ronaldo may well lead the line, with Anthony Martial still injured.

Manchester United predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): De Gea (GK) — Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Malacia — Casemiro, Fred — Antony, Fernandes, Elanga — Ronaldo.

Umar Sadiq will be pushing to start for La Real after coming off the bench to equalise against Atletico Madrid last time out.

The pace and trickery of Takefusa Kubo could be enough to see him get the nod ahead of veteran former Manchester City star David Silva.

Real Sociedad predicted lineup (4-3-1-2): Remiro (GK) — Gorosabel, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Aihen Munoz — Mendez, Zubimendi, Merino — Kubo — Cho, Sadiq.

Manchester United vs. Real Sociedad betting odds

United won the two-legged meeting with La Real 4-0 on aggregate two seasons ago and, having just won four games in a row for the first time since April 2021, it’s not a huge surprise to see them considered favourites here.

Sociedad have had a mixed start to the season, with narrow wins over Cadiz and Elche alongside a heavy defeat to Barcelona and last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid, but they come into this fixture with little to lose and will likely face a changed United lineup.

With all that in mind, backing a draw might well be a smart bet.