It wasn’t the toughest group for the Spanish side to emerge through, as they came second behind Napoli and ahead of AZ Alkmaar and Rijeka. There were only two wins in the group stage for them, all the same.

As for United, they were in the Champions League and looking good for a last-16 spot, before collapsing entirely. They only really needed a draw from their last game, or two wins from the final four fixtures, but failed to get either, losing out to RB Leipzig on the final matchday and finishing third to drop down into the Europa.

Real Sociedad have won their last two, against Cadiz and Getafe in LaLiga to leave them fifth in the table. But victories have been hard to come by for a while now for La Real, with just two in 17 matches across all competitions prior to these back-to-back wins, including a five-match run of draws.

For Man United, it’s a mix of regular starters and one or two opportunities to impress, with Dean Henderson getting the nod in goal and Alex Telles coming in at left-back.

MUN XI: Henderson; Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Telles; McTominay, Fred; James, Fernandes, Rashford; Greenwood

No surprises for Real Sociedad as they go full-strength. Former United man Adnan Januzaj starts, as does Man City legend David Silva.

RSO XI: Remiro; Zaldua, Zubeldia, Aritz, Monreal; Illarra; Januzaj, Merino, Silva, Oyarzabal; Isak

Solskjaer’s side were flying not so long ago, but their form heading into this fixture isn’t exceptional.

In the Premier League, United have won one of their last five...though on the other hand, it’s one defeat in 11 across all competitions.

Afternoon all! European action restarted in style this week, with some huge performances in the Champions League from the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. Now it’s the turn of the Europa League combatants to push on toward potential silverware...and a place in next season’s elite competition, too.

Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage as Real Sociedad take on Manchester United in the Europa League round of 32. Ole Gunnar Solskjear’s side enter the knockout stages as favourites to lift the trophy, however, La Real still pose plenty of threats, with star striker Alexander Isak having scored six goals in his last five La Liga games.