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Thursday 13 March 2025 12:00
After a highly impressive substitute performance at the weekend, will young defender Ayden Heaven make his first Manchester United start in Thursday’s UEFA Europa League encounter with Real Sociedad?
That’s the key question our MUTV pundits have been debating while playing our popular United Predictions game ahead of an Old Trafford night under the lights.
With a new absentee and some returning faces, Ruben Amorim is likely to make changes to his United team. Our Portuguese head coach confirmed some key team news in Wednesday’s pre-match press conference. Defender Leny Yoro is out for the next two games after a knock sustained in Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Arsenal. Midfielder Manuel Ugarte, on the other hand, could make his return.
United were held to a 1-1 draw at La Real a week ago. Joshua Zirkzee had opened the scoring with a fine strike but Mikel Oyarzabal’s 70th-minute penalty ensured it’s all to play for in M16 in the second leg.
The Reds know the Europa League is our final chance of lifting silverware this season. So, how many changes will Amorim make against a tough Real Sociedad side? Might we see a chance for one of the squad’s young players due to injuries? And will United get the job done?
Well, our pundits have given us their insights to help you in making your own predictions. So, read their thoughts and then join us to predict Ruben’s starting XI, the scoreline, first goalscorer and your Man of the Match, and you’ll have the chance to win great prizes.
Danny Webber is backing a first United start for Ayden Heaven, the 18-year-old defender brought in from Arsenal in January. Check out his full predictions below…
DANNY WEBBER’S PREDICTIONS
United XI: Onana; De Ligt, Heaven, Mazraoui; Dalot, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu; Garnacho, Fernandes; Zirkzee.
Man of the Match: Bruno Fernandes
Score: United 2-1 Real Sociedad
First scorer: Alejandro Garnacho
Webber expects Heaven to slot between senior defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, and replace the injured Yoro in the starting line-up. Harry Maguire is also absent at the moment, but might return for the weekend’s trip to Leicester City.
Heaven has made two United appearances so far, both as a substitute. He first came on in our gutting FA Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to Fulham, before an excellent 45 minutes against his former club, Arsenal.
As for the rest of Webber’s United Predictions, he thinks Ugarte will come straight back into the side after returning to training, and he’s elected Zirkzee to lead the line ahead of Rasmus Hojlund.
His choice of Man of the Match will be no surprise in Bruno Fernandes. Our captain has shown his quality on the big nights so far this season. Webber thinks Garnacho will net the first goal after a strong performance against Arsenal at the weekend, which Amorim called his “best game since I’ve been here”.
Wes Brown is also backing Bruno for a big night — who isn’t?! — but doesn’t agree with Danny on everything…
WES BROWN’S PREDICTIONS
United XI: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Lindelof; Dalot, Fernandes, Casemiro, Dorgu; Zirkzee, Hojlund, Garnacho.
Score: United 2-0 Real Sociedad
First scorer: Rasmus Hojlund
Man of the Match: Bruno Fernnades
Wes, who knew how to step it up for the big European nights, thinks Amorim will prioritise experience over youth on Thursday. He’s backing Victor Lindelof to start ahead of Ayden Heaven, and he’s elected a different midfield, too. With Ugarte having only recently returned to training, Wes thinks Bruno will slot into that deeper midfield role alongside Casemiro, with an exciting attacking trio of first-leg goalscorer Zirkzee, Garnacho and Hojlund.
Rasmus has been searching eagerly for the back of the net in recent games and made some excellent runs out in San Sebastian, and Wes predicts him to net United’s first goal in an excellent home victory. Let’s hope so!
WHAT RUBEN’S SAID
Keen for more insight before making your choices? Well, here’s the key team news lines from the boss to help you.
On team news: “Mason Mount is too soon. Leny [Yoro] is out. Harry Maguire cannot play this one. I hope to have him for Sunday.
Amorim and Dorgu’s press conference Video
Amorim and Dorgu’s press conference
PRESS CONFERENCE | Ruben Amorim and Patrick Dorgu face questions from the media, before Real Sociedad’s visit…
“Manu [Ugarte] is in the squad and I think there is no-one [else] returning.
“No, no [Yoro’s absence] is not long term. Leny cannot play this game and the other game [Leicester].”
So, does that indicate a starting spot for anyone in particular? You decide.
PLAY UNITED PREDICTIONS
Make your own picks in our United Predictions game now.
You have until 18:45 GMT to select your starting XI, and you can make your picks for first scorer, result and Man of the Match right up until kick-off.
With amazing prizes – including signed shirts and United Store vouchers – on offer, what are you waiting for? Get involved now!
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Gallery
See images of the 23 players in training ahead of the Real Sociedad clash.
Thursday 13 March 2025 12:00
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