After crashing out of the Champions League, Manchester United will play in their game of the Europa League this season against Real Sociedad. The game will be played in neutral grounds, as it will take place in Turin but United will look to go all out against the Spanish side. Manchester United have been out of form off late and draw against West Brom in the Premier League was another show of their incompetence in defence.
The injury to Paul Pogba has come at the worst possible time for the Red Devils as he was at the best of his form as well. The creativity in the midfield has been missing since the Frenchman’s absence and it seems he was the key to United’s success. Solskjaer has also updated several injuries in the squad with Van de Beek and Edinson Cavani out of the squad already.
Let us now have a look at how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might set his Manchester United side up against Real Sociedad in the Europa League fixture.
THE 4-2-3-1
Dean Henderson is likely to play in all the cup games as it seems obvious that David De Gea is Solskjaer’s first choice in the Premier League games. Eric Bailly is expected to come back to the starting XI after Lindelof has been struggling for form. The Swedish centre-back has been found out as it seems that physical strikers are targeting him deliberately to hurt Manchester United.
The injury to Edinson Cavani will be a huge blow to the Red Devils as he has been a constant source of goals for them. In such a scenario, Tony Martial will be expected to lead the line, which he hasn’t done to great effect this season. He needs to contribute for the team and needs to do it soon and find his goalscoring touch, like he did last season.
Bruno Fernandes will again be at the thick of things but Sociedad are sure to keep a very close eye on the Portuguese magnifico.
THE 4-4-2 (DIAMOND)
The 4-4-2 (Diamond) formation has also worked well for Solskjaer this season but it is unlikely to be used due to the injuries to Pogba and Van de Beek. The likes of Matic will have to be played in such a system and in turn it might be lethal as he slows down the team and the pace of United’s play. Sociedad will be expected to have more of the possession as they are a technically gifted Spanish side.
Luke Shaw is the Premier League’s best assist provider in the year of 2021 and has been fantastic since the turn of the year. He has cemented his place in the side and will need to have a great game if Manchester United are to win the game.
THE 3-5-2
The 3-5-2 is Manchester United’s last resort and system they might use against Real Sociedad in the Europa League Round of 16. Alex Tells will be the perfect player to play in such a game as he has the capability to bomb up and down the flank. It will be a tough game for the Red Devils but and they must turn up to the occasion.
