Real Sociedad vs Manchester United referee confirmed, he officiated horror Erik ten Hag result last season

UEFA have selected a referee who officiated a horror result under Erik ten Hag for Manchester United’s trip to face Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

Rúben Amorim will be looking for his Manchester United side to build on their strong Europa League performances as they face Real Sociedad in the knockout stage.

Despite their struggles in the Premier League and a recent FA Cup exit, United have won all three of their European matches under the Portuguese coach and now take on La Liga opposition in the round of 16.

The first leg will be held in San Sebastián on Thursday evening, with the return fixture at Old Trafford a week later.

With their domestic form faltering and FA Cup hopes dashed, winning the Europa League represents United’s best chance of securing Champions League football next season.

Match officials confirmed

Ivan Kružliak (pictured below) will be the referee on Thursday evening in San Sebastian. Kružliak has officiated 12 Slovak First Football League matches this season, six UEFA ties, and four in other competitions, including the Saudi League.

So far this season, Kružliak has issued 57 yellow cards in the Slovak First Football League and 112 across all competitions. He has issued one straight red card and two via two yellow cards, and has awarded six penalties this season, five in the league.

Kružliak has met United once in his career in a horror loss at Old Trafford against Galatasaray in the Champions League. Rasmus Højlund scored twice in the first half, but the visitors left with a 3-2 win after late goals from Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Mauro Icardi.

Read More: MUTV pundit praises “outstanding” Man Utd star, Ruben Amorim is “not afraid” to give Europa League debut

During the game, Branislav Hancko and Jan Pozor will serve as Kružliak’s assistant referees. Peter Kralović will be the fourth official on Wednesday evening, separating Amorim and Imanol Alguacil.

Pol van Boekel has been appointed as the Video Assistant Referee. Michal Očenáš will act as assistant VAR.

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