Real Sociedad’s manager, Imanol Alguacil, has downplayed the difficulties faced by Manchester United, stating ahead of their Europa League encounter: “If anyone considers us the favorites, they lack understanding of football.”
The Red Devils are set to travel to Spain for the first leg of their Round of 16 matchup on Thursday evening, with a return fixture scheduled at Old Trafford the following week.
Sociedad enters this match following consecutive losses, albeit against formidable opponents Real Madrid and Barcelona, and currently occupies the ninth position in La Liga. In contrast, Manchester United’s most recent match ended in a penalty shootout defeat to Fulham in the FA Cup, and despite a prior victory in the Premier League, they find themselves languishing in 14th place, marking a disappointing season for the club.
Despite the ongoing challenges under Ruben Amorim, Alguacil has expressed nothing but admiration for the Red Devils, ridiculing the notion that his team could be seen as favorites.
“They are a distinguished team in Europe with a rich history, and the opportunity to compete against them in recent years is a positive experience,” Alguacil remarked during a press conference. “They possess a talented squad and an excellent coach.
“While their league results may not reflect their potential, their style of play remains commendable. I anticipate a formidable opponent—not solely due to their history, but because of the quality of their players. It will be a challenging match, and we must give our utmost to compete effectively.
“If anyone perceives us as favorites, they do not grasp the reality of football and the challenge we face. Despite their injury concerns, they have exceptional players, and I will not show any disrespect towards such a team.”
Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt acknowledged that the Red Devils have fallen short of expectations but minimized the severity of the situation, expressing that he had anticipated a “slightly better” performance this season.
“We have faced significant pressure and criticism. For me, this is not unfamiliar territory, as I have been at clubs where winning titles is the expectation,” the Dutch defender stated.
“We must persevere, work diligently, and strive for improvement.”
It is essential to persist, to exert effort, and to strive for improvement. We anticipated a performance that would exceed our current standing. Acknowledging our shortcomings, we are committed to enhancing our situation. Ultimately, there is an element of luck involved, but we recognize the necessity for progress.
With limited prospects in the Premier League and elimination from both domestic cup competitions, the Europa League stands as Manchester United’s primary opportunity to salvage the season.
Amorim acknowledges this reality but emphasizes that it is not the most critical aspect of his efforts to restore the club to its rightful stature. “While it may not be the defining factor for the club’s future, I recognize its significance in our current season, particularly given our exit from the cups and our unfavorable league position,” Amorim stated. “This could significantly alter perceptions of the coach, and I am aware of the considerable pressure involved. However, I reiterate that Manchester United has the capacity to attract top talent, even in the absence of Champions League football in the future. We must implement substantial changes, and we are actively pursuing that goal. At this moment, there are priorities that surpass the importance of winning cups, although I do understand that triumphing in the Europa League could transform our circumstances.”