Donny van de Beek believes Manchester United have what it takes to beat Real Sociedad in the Europa League
Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek believes the Red Devils have the qualities to beat Real Sociedad on Thursday (3 November). The Old Trafford side takes on the Spanish outfit in the final game of the group stages of the Europa League.
In the reverse fixture, La Real managed to beat the Manchester-based club 1-0. However, many fans felt the penalty that the La Liga outfit were awarded was harsh.
Since then, United have won their fixtures against Sheriff Tiraspol and Omonia Nicosia home and away. However, Sociedad have been able to do the same and sit at the top of Group E in the UEL.
While we have qualified from the group, the second-placed side have to play a two-legged play-off against the sides dropping down from the Champions League. On the other hand, the team at the top will automatically get a place in the round of 16.
Thus, it could be an advantage if we were to beat the side from the Basque Country. However, the Red Devils need to win by two goals to ensure the top spot.
Speaking on the club’s official website, Van de Beek was adamant that United have all the tools to beat La Real. However, he feels we need to be good both going forward and while defending.
“Yes, I think we have the qualities to do that. First, we have to go for the win but, even that, we have to do more than that, as we have to win by a goal difference of two goals.
“So we have enough players in the squad who can score goals and also need clean defending because we can’t concede too many goals. So everything has to be good on Thursday. They have a good team as well but we do also.”
The Holland international has not had the best of seasons with the Red Devils. Some supporters expected the 25-year-old to come into his own with the arrival of his former Ajajax head coach Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout.
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However, injury issues have plagued the midfielder’s campaign. He did return and played a few minutes against Sheriff in Manchester. Hopefully, Van de Beek is able to contribute against La Real as well.
