Manchester United flew to Spain on Wednesday ahead of their clash with Real Sociedad. Ruben Amorim oversaw a training session at Carrington before the team travelled to San Sebastian and United’s head coach will be hopeful his side can bounce back in the Europa League.
United were knocked out of the FA Cup fifth round on penalties against Fulham last weekend, meaning winning the Europa League is the only hope of winning a trophy this season.
If United won the Europa League, they would achieve Champions League qualification for 2025/26 and that would be a huge boost to their finances and their transfer plans.
The Reds finished third in the revamped Europa League table and are undefeated in the competition so far.
Amorim causing a stir
Amorim will not fill his bench for a third successive game. UEFA rules allow 23-man squads for European fixtures, but Amorim named an 18-man travelling squad and opted against picking five youngsters who would have benefitted from the experience.
The Under-21s’ next game is scheduled for next week and there are players from that group who would have gained experience from being able to travel with the squad to Spain.
They could have been named in the squad to see how the senior players prepare and act in the dressing room. A lot of fans won’t give it much thought, but it probably sends the wrong message to youngsters who want to see a pathway to the first team.
Followers of the academy have noticed Amorim’s decision not to fill his bench and they are disappointed with the United head coach. Amorim promoted many young players at Sporting Lisbon and while it is perhaps a message to the board on the work that needs to be done in the summer transfer window, it sends the wrong message to the club’s young stars.
Zubimendi boost for Sociedad
United signed Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain last summer and insisted they had landed their top target, but Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi was on their shortlist.
Zubimendi won the European Championship with Spain and looked destined for a move to Liverpool. However, talks collapsed and he remained in San Sebastian.
The 26-year-old is one of the best in his position and he gave Sociedad a huge boost when he returned to training on Wednesday morning ahead of facing United.
Zubimendi was brought off with a hamstring injury at half-time in Sociedad’s heavy defeat to Barcelona last weekend, but it looks like he will be available to take on a struggling United.
Another Reale Arena visit
United were in the same Europa League group as Sociedad in 2022/23 and they won 1-0 at the impressive Reale Arena thanks to a great goal from Alejandro Garnacho.
Garnacho was just 18 and making his second start for United when he scored in that game, and most supporters will have him in their preferred starting teams on Thursday.
Sociedad still finished above United in that Europa League group. The Spaniards head into this game after a hammering against Barcelona but shouldn’t be underestimated at home.
Dorgu back in action
Patrick Dorgu was given a straight red card for a poor challenge against Ipswich Town and handed a three-match suspension. He was absent against Fulham last Sunday, but his suspension only applies to domestic fixtures and he is an almost guaranteed starter against Sociedad.
Dorgu made a solid start to his United career until his display against Ipswich and it’s a boost to have him available for selection, especially when considering United’s injury situation.
Amorim surprised everyone when he started Dorgu at right wing-back when he made his debut, but thankfully he has since moved him to the left.
Hojlund needs a goal
Rasmus Hojlund has been fascinating to watch over the last few months as he doesn’t hide his frustration. Whether it’s kicking the post or yanking at his shorts, he doesn’t hide his emotions.
Hojlund hasn’t scored in 18 games and the pressure on him has increased tenfold. A goal drought is a striker’s nightmare and finding the net would help his confidence.