Manchester United star sends exciting message about Real Sociedad tie after his dream came true

Manchester United are set to face Spanish side Real Sociedad in the Europa League round-of-16 ties next month.

Manchester United will take on Real Sociedad in the Europa League round of 16, as Rúben Amorim looks to secure his first trophy as head coach at Old Trafford.

United had a slow start to the competition under Erik ten Hag, drawing their first three matches against FC Twente, FC Porto, and Fenerbahce. However, their fortunes changed when Ruud van Nistelrooy was appointed caretaker manager, leading them to their first victory against PAOK.

Under Amorim’s leadership, the team found momentum, winning their final four group-stage games against Bodo/Glimt, FC Plzen, Rangers, and FCSB.

Finishing third in the Europa League standings allowed United to bypass the qualification round and advance directly to the knockout stage, where they now face Real Sociedad.

The Spanish side booked their place in the round of 16 with a dominant 7-3 aggregate win over FC Midtjylland in the play-off rounds.

Garnacho’s dream came true vs Sociedad in 2022

United have a poor history playing against Spanish opposition but their last encounter with Sociedad was a successful one.

The Reds faced the La Liga outfit in their Europa League group during the 2022/23 campaign. After losing their first match against them at Old Trafford, United won the return clash in Spain.

Erik ten Hag’s side won the game at the Reale Arena 1-0, with young star Alejandro Garnacho scoring his first goal for the club.

The winger provided a ruthless finish in that game after being assisted by Cristiano Ronaldo, who Garnacho considers as his footballing hero.

After the game, the Argentine posted: “18 years and 125 days dreaming of this moment. Thanks Idol, @cristiano.”

Garnacho sends exciting Sociedad message

Now, despite the poor form and feeling around United, the 20-year-old has the opportunity to shine against Sociedad once again in the hopes of securing European silverware for the club.

After the draw was confirmed on Friday afternoon, Garnacho took to Instagram to react to the news and sent an exciting message. “Good memories,” he wrote with a winky-face emoji. “Let’s goo.”

Garnacho and United will be facing the Spanish team away from home in the first-leg of the tie on Thursday, 6 March, with the second-leg being held at Old Trafford one week later.

Should the Reds progress into the next round of the competition, they will play either FCSB or Olympique Lyon in the quarter-finals, depending on who wins that respective fixture.

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United’s only chance of Champions League qualification is by winning the Europa League, although Sociedad will likely prove a difficult test next month.

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