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Real Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil has insisted that people who are choosing his side as favourites over Manchester United don’t have an idea about football.
A struggling United side are set to take on Sociedad in San Sebastian on Thursday in the first leg of a Europa League round-of-16 tie.
Injury-hit United named just 18 players in their travelling squad to Spain, with Manuel Ugarte and Harry Magure ruled out of the game with minor injuries.
Sociedad are seen in some quarters as the favourites to advance to the next stage of the competition but this suggestion has been totally refuted by Alguacil.
Alguacil told reporters [via Manchester Evening News] that the history of United and the quality of their players automatically translates to them being firm favourites to clinch progression.
He said about the Red Devils, “They are a great team in Europe, with a great history, and that we are able to face them these years is a positive thing. They have a great team with a great coach.”
“In the league they are not having results but in play they are doing things well, different. Tomorrow I expect a tough opponent – not because of their history, but because of their players. It will be very difficult and we will have to give everything to compete.”
“If someone has us as favourites, they don’t know what football is and what we have in front of us.”
He added, “Despite the injuries they have, they have great players, and I am not going to lack respect for a team like this.”
“Hopefully we all enjoy tomorrow, that we see a great game. We need the fans to be aware of what we have in front of us. These nights are the ones we wanted to live. With them everything will be easier. Hopefully we can compete like last Wednesday.”
“As much as they are favourites to win the tournament, whenever I face a big team I will think that by doing things well we can win. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here.”
“We have to be sensible and recognise what is ahead. You have to play it. But without being brilliant and you playing the best game, you can lose because of the quality they have.”
Sociedad vs. United kicks off at 17:45 GMT.
Featured image Juan Manuel Serrano Arce via Getty Images
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