Real Sociedad boss reveals game plan ahead of Manchester United trip in Europa League

Real Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil says his team will not come to Old Trafford “to play for the draw” in tonight’s Europa League clash with Manchester United.

The Spaniards come into the game buoyed after frustrating Atletico Madrid with a 1-1 draw on Saturday having lost just one of their opening four La Liga games. However, they have never beaten United in their four meetings across history.

Their last visit to the Theatre of Dreams in February 2021, in the Europa League knock-outs, saw them hold United to a goalless draw after being thumped 4-0 in the home leg. In fact, Sociedad have never scored against the Reds.

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The Premier League outfit spent more than £200m this summer, far exceeding the £48m Thursday’s opponents forked out during the window. Alguacil was on the touchline during the club’s previous two meetings with United but isn’t backing down from the task before him despite the gulf in finances.

“I want to show what we are capable of doing, what we are about, show our personality even though we are facing one of the best teams in Europe and a team that should be in the Champions League,” Alguacil said.

“We are facing history, given the great squad they have. It is true they have spent a lot, that’s the club they are.

“But you play games on a pitch and the two teams out there have 11 players each. Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in Europe but if you want to beat a team like Manchester United you have to be brave or you have very few options to win the game.”

Alguacil explained that his side will not park the bus at Old Trafford tonight but instead go for the win. He added: “It is us that need to take the initiative