Match Summary
Manchester United defeated Real Sociedad 4:1. The match was played in UEFA Europa League 2024. Goals were scored by Mikel Oyarzabal 10′ (pen.), Bruno Fernandes 16′ (pen.), Bruno Fernandes 50′ (pen.), Bruno Fernandes 87′, Diogo Dalot 90′. 9 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. Manchester United had 60% possession while Real Sociedad held 40%. Manchester United had 25 shots (10 on target) compared to 8 (3 on target) for Real Sociedad. Expected goals: Manchester United 4.25 — Real Sociedad 1.05. Manchester United made 2 substitutions, Real Sociedad made 5. VAR was involved: Penalty confirmed (Mikel Oyarzabal 8′), Penalty cancelled (Patrick Dorgu 85′).
Match Events
Key match events between Manchester United and Real Sociedad — 5 goals and 10 cards recorded during the match.
Penalty
Penalty
Penalty
assist: A. Garnacho
assist: R. Højlund
Match Statistics
Manchester United had 60% possession against Real Sociedad's 40%. Manchester United registered 25 shots (10 on target) while Real Sociedad managed 8 (3 on target). Corner kicks: 6–4. Fouls committed: 6–13.
Lineups
Manchester United lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under Ruben Amorim, while Real Sociedad deployed a 4-3-3 under Imanol Alguacil.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Manchester United is 6.86, compared to 6.73 for Real Sociedad. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Manchester United's highest-rated starter is Bruno Fernandes (7.58), while Real Sociedad's best-rated player is T. Kubo (7.13).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Manchester United have contributed 21 goals and 23 assists this season, led by Bruno Fernandes (8G). Real Sociedad's starters account for 7 goals and 6 assists, spearheaded by Brais Méndez (5G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Manchester United deploy 3 defenders rated 6.88 on average, against Real Sociedad's 4-man backline averaging 6.55. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Manchester United field 4 midfielders averaging 7.19, versus Real Sociedad's 3 rated 6.69. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Manchester United start 3 forward(s) averaging 6.41, compared to 3 for Real Sociedad averaging 7.13. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 83% for Manchester United and 81% for Real Sociedad. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Manchester United's starters have collected 23 yellow cards this season, compared to 15 for Real Sociedad. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Manchester United's starting XI is 25.8 (youngest: A. Heaven (19), oldest: Casemiro (33)), while Real Sociedad average 27.3 (youngest: Pablo Marín (22), oldest: Aritz Elustondo (31)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Manchester United's starters average 16 league appearances each, versus 21 for Real Sociedad. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Manchester United have recorded 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeats. Real Sociedad show 3 wins, 1 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Manchester United
Real Sociedad
API data: 15 Mar 2026