Man Utd face Real Sociedad in the Europa League last 16. (Image: Getty)
Manchester United have endured enough heartache against Spanish sides in European competition down the years to consider a Europa League last-16 clash against Real Sociedad an arduous prospect. But if is to “bring the glory days again” – as the lyrics in his new chant to the tune of Bonnie Tyler’s ‘It’s a Heartache’ read – Champions League football must be on the agenda.
The only way United are returning among Europe’s elite this season is by winning the Europa League. On current domestic form, that feels like a long shot.
But Amorim has won all four of his games in the competition since arriving in November, and the Red Devils were the favourites before the draw.
A route to the May 21 final in Bilbao potentially posing the threat of La Real and league phase runners-up Athletic Club prompted punters to lose a bit of faith.
However, United’s round-of-16 opponents have suffered a significant injury blow that should make next week’s trip to San Sebastian a little less daunting.
According to Spanish outlet AS, La Real’s star midfielder Luka Sucic has been ruled out for a few weeks after suffering a knee injury.
The La Liga side didn’t miss Sucic too much in their 3-0 home win against Leganes last night, but they are a weaker side without him.
Real Sociedad will miss Luka Sucic vs Man Utd. (Image: Getty)
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The 22-year-old has featured 27 times in all competitions this season and scored twice in La Real’s 5-2 victory against Midtjylland in last week’s knockout play-off second leg.
But it’s claimed Sucic is set to miss a difficult upcoming run of fixtures against Real Madrid and Barcelona and two legs against United on either side of a league meeting with Sevilla.
United travel to the Reale Arena for the first leg on Thursday, March 6, before hosting the second leg at Old Trafford on Thursday, March 13.
The winners of the last-16 clash will face the victorious side out of Lyon or FCSB in the quarter-finals, possibly setting up a rematch against the latter Romanians.
On the top half of United’s side of the draw, Rangers face Fenerbahce and AS Roma clash with Athletic Club.
, on the opposite side, have been drawn against AZ Alkmaar.
‘s side will be tasked with beating Ajax or Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals should they progress past the Dutch Eredivisie outfit, who they bettered 1-0 in the league phase.
A semi-final tie against league phase winners Lazio could stand in Spurs’ way of the final. Viktoria Plzen, Bodo/Glimt and Olympiakos make up that quarter of the bracket.