Europa League campaign

Manchester United get Europa League campaign underway this evening and face a favoured foe in Real Sociedad. The competition might not be the one Red Devils fans want to be in but it represents a good chance of silverware. It was the last competition that United won in 2017 and they start the tournament as one of the favourites. If they can get off to a good start against Sociedad, they could set up the rest of the group quite nicely. And they boast a fine record over the La Liga side as in four previous meetings (W2 D2), the Old Trafford-based club haven’t conceded a single goal.

This is the longest run they have against any side without conceding, and that could be extended to six games this term. The La Liga club have also never beaten an English team in six, so the history suggests Erik ten Hag’s men will continue their good form. But standing in their way and looking to end that defensive record is former Manchester City maestro David Silva. The 36-year-old represented the Citizens for ten years and won countless trophies. (more…)