Manchester United predicted XI vs Real Sociedad, four changes as Leny Yoro replaced (Europa League)

Rúben Amorim is expected to four three changes as Manchester United face Real Sociedad at Old Trafford in the Europa League round of 16 second leg on Thursday evening.

Manchester United shift their focus back to the Europa League as they welcome Real Sociedad to Old Trafford for the second leg of their round of 16 tie.

The first leg in San Sebastián saw Joshua Zirkzee put Rúben Amorim’s side in front before Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty ensured the tie remained level at 1-1 on aggregate.

With a quarter-final place on the line, both teams will be eager to take control. The winner will go on to face either Olympique Lyonnais or FCSB, with Lyon holding a 3-1 lead heading into their second leg.

United’s last game ended in a 1-1 draw with Arsenal, a performance that offered plenty of encouragement. Now, with the Old Trafford crowd behind them, the Reds will be aiming to book their place in the next round on Thursday night.

Amorim expected to make four changes

Compared to the line up that started against Arsenal, Amorim is expected to change four of his players, with one being forced due to injury.

While André Onana will start in goal, the United head coach has confirmed that Leny Yoro will be unavailable due to an injury suffered last weekend, and with the side lacking in centre-back options, Ayden Heaven may make his first start for the club as a left centre-back.

Matthijs de Ligt will then slot into the central centre-back position, with Noussair Mazraoui likely to become the right centre-back, which would leave Victor Lindelöf out of the side.

Diogo Dalot is expected to return to the right wing-back position, while Patrick Dorgu is available again after being suspended against Arsenal, making it two changes to Amorim’s back five.

In midfield, United may see a return for Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan international has missed United’s last two games due to injury, with Casemiro playing in his absence. But, with Amorim keen to rotate players where he can, Ugarte may be thrown back in the mix from the start.

Ugarte would likely partner Bruno Fernandes in midfield, who Amorim sees as much more impactful from deeper areas as opposed to across the front three.

Read More: Vincent Kompany impressed by “consistent” Manchester United star as Bayern Munich join transfer race

Rasmus Højlund is expected to return to the starting XI after being benched against Arsenal and replace Joshua Zirkzee up front, with the Dutchman possibly moving to the left attacking role.

This would be to keep Alejandro Garnacho on the right side of attack, where he has excelled in the last two games.

United predicted XI vs Real Sociedad

Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Heaven, Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu, Zirkzee, Højlund, Garnacho.

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.