Pranav Nair
UEFA hit back at Real Sociedad following accusations of being biased to Manchester United
According to Daily Star, UEFA have hit back at Real Sociedad amidst suggestions that they have been favourable to Manchester United.
United were scheduled to play Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League round of 32 fixture at the Anoeta Stadium. However, due to Covid-19 regulations, the match has been shifted to Turin.
The game will now take place at Juventus’ Allianz Stadium, with the return leg penciled in for 25th February at Old Trafford.
This prompted Sociedad’s director of football Roberto Olabe to hit out at UEFA. He labelled the decision ‘unfair’ as United still get their home advantage in the return leg. According to him, it is only fair that both sides play their home fixtures at neutral venues.
However, UEFA stand by their decision. They believe that it is just an unfortunate circumstance that has arisen due to the dynamic nature of the Covid-19 situation in different countries.
Owing to the time-constrained nature of the competition, they not prepared to change the current format of the competition at this stage.
As things stand, the game will go ahead and Sociedad will just have to lap it up. With no fans in any stadium, it is difficult to claim any side has a definite advantage.
United have looked shaky at home this season and had Olabe seen some of those losses, we are pretty sure he would have had no complaints.
More Manchester United News
- Diogo Dalot unlikely to return to Manchester United after AC Milan spell
- Manchester United set to trigger £52m Pedro Goncalves release clause
- Harry Maguire undaunted as Manchester United seek FA Cup glory
To compound matters, Sociedad will be without star striker Mikel Oyarzabal. It should prove to be a boost for a United defence that has struggled this season.
