Real Sociedad vs Manchester United: What Man Utd need against Sociedad to top its Europa League group?

Manchester United have an opportunity to leapfrog Real Sociedad and clinch the top spot in Group E of the Europa League on Thursday. However, the task will not be an easy one for the Reds Devils. A mere win might just not be enough for the Reds, as they need to secure the three points with a certain goal margin to top the group. Not to forget that Real Sociedad are a decent side in Spain and have been performing well in La Liga up until the recent games. Hence, the trip to Spain will not be an easy experience for Erik ten Hag’s side.

How the teams have performed in Group E and their domestic leagues?

Real Sociedad have a perfect record in Group E till now after winning all five matches they have played till now. The Spaniards are at the top spot with 15 points and Manchester United are second with 12 points from the same number of games. The only defeat for ten Hag’s side came against Sociedad on Matchday 1 at Old Trafford. Sheriff Tiraspol and Omonia Nicosia are occupying the third and fourth spots respectively with three and zero points to their names.

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The league standings are almost identical for both sides so far this season. Manchester United are placed fifth in the Premier League and have 23 points from 12 matches. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad are also sitting in the fifth spot in La Liga and have 22 points from 12 games. The recent form, however, is in United’s favour. After suffering a 6-3 defeat against Manchester City at the beginning of last month, Man United have not lost a single game in all competitions, while Sociedad are in the middle of a two-game losing streak in their league.

Real Sociedad vs Manchester United: What must Man Utd do to top their group?

Manchester United lost the reverse game against Real Sociedad 1-0 on Matchday 1 in controversial fashion. This gives the upper hand to the Spaniards in their quest to top the group. Since that earlier match happened at Old Trafford, the Red Devils have the difficult task of beating Sociedad in Spain on Thursday. However, getting the three points will alone not be enough for ten Hag’s side. Since Sociedad also have a better goal difference, United need to win the match by two clear goals to secure the top spot. 

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A head-to-head record will come into play if both teams finish the group with the same points. Hence, United need to defeat Sociedad by a two-goal margin to clinch the summit. Besides, the winners of the group will get a direct ticket to the round of 16, while the team finishing second will have to play in the last 32. Not only will the side finishing second get to play two additional matches but will have to face one of the third-placed Champions League teams. Hence, the team that finishes second could very well come up against the likes of Barcelona, Sevilla, and Ajax among others.