Champions Match Preview: Real Sociedad vs Manchester United

United face Real Sociedad later where a win would see the Reds put one foot into the knockout stages of the Champions League. David Moyes had to endure something of a mini injury crisis at Fulham on Saturday when Jonny Evans, Tom Cleverley and Rafael all had to be subbed at half time and naturally none are fit to face the Spanish side this evening. 

United still have a wealth of options to choose from against a Sociedad side that has struggled to live up to the expectations last season created when they qualified for Europe’s top competition. David Moyes has been willing to use Adnan Januzaj in tricky games all season and we could well see the Belgian start this evening as United aim to make light work of the group stages of the competition. 

With Cleverley and maybe even Michael Carrick  out we can also expect a start for Marouane Fellaini who will be desperate to start showing why Moyes forked out such a large fee for a player who so far has looked completely out of his depth at Old Trafford.

There are no easy games in the Champions League and we can’t take too many chances but there’s no reason why United can’t get a result with the players at Moyes disposal.

Predicted XI

David de Gea: Should he start, this will be De Gea’s third season in a row he will represent Manchester United in his homeland.

Chris Smalling: An injury to Rafael suggests Chris Smalling will get the nod at right-back on Tuesday night.

Rio Ferdinand: Evans is left at home and Ferdinand was rested against Fulham.

Nemanja Vidic: Captain Nemanja looked very solid against Fulham and has shown already this season that he is more than capable of playing twice within a week.

Alexander Buttner: Doubts over Patrice Evra’s fitness after Saturday’s game at Fulham mean Buttner may get his first Champions League outing of the season.

Antonio Valencia: Valencia could help provide essential shape on the right side in the absence of Rafael and will be looking to continue from the good form he showed at the weekend.

Marouane Fellaini: Despite being mainly overlooked of late in the starting XI, Carrick’s absence means the Belgian will probably be given a start in this tough European tie.

Tom Cleverley: Recovered from double vision to travel and should start alongside the Belgian.

Shinji Kagawa: The Japanese playmaker keeps coming in and out of the team. After a poor second half against Fulham, he has a point to prove.

Wayne Rooney: No need to explain this. First name on the team sheet right now.

Javier Hernandez: With a visit from Arsenal this weekend, Robin van Persie should be rested and Hernandez will be given the start he so desperately wants (and deserves).

Formation: 4-2-3-1

 It is a European away game so Moyes will use disciplined lines at the back and hit hard on the counter. Valencia is going to be integral if United are to come away with a win.