In a crucial Champions League match, Manchester United faces Real Sociedad in San Sebastian. As the leader of Group A, a victory for Manchester United could significantly strengthen their position for qualification.
Real Sociedad, having suffered defeats in their first three group stage matches, is in a must-win situation to stay alive in the competition. Antoine Griezmann, in good form, will be a key player for the Basque club. A win for Real Sociedad, coupled with a draw between Shakhtar Donetsk and Bayer Leverkusen, could revive their chances of qualifying for the Europa League.
Here are the starting lineups for both teams:
Manchester United:
De Gea – Smalling, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra (Cap.) – Valencia, Fellaini, Giggs, Kagawa – Rooney, Hernandez.
Real Sociedad:
Bravo – C. Martínez, M. Gonzalez (c), I. Martinez, De la Bella – Bergara, Pardo, Zurutuza – Vela, Agirretxe, Griezmann.
Adnan Januzaj is expected to make his Champions League debut for Manchester United, and the absence of key players like Carrick, Welbeck, Evans, and Rafael poses a challenge for manager David Moyes. Javier Hernandez surprisingly starts in place of Robin Van Persie. The match promises to be an intense and crucial encounter for both teams.
