Sociedad Can Add To Woes At United

Both teams have struggled domestically ahead of their Europa League last-16 clash

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Real Sociedad are hoping to forget their struggles this season and compound English Premier League giants Manchester United's when they meet in a Europa League last-16, first-leg tie on March 6.

The Basque side host Ruben Amorim's tormented Red Devils before the second leg at Old Trafford next week.

Sociedad suffered a 4-0 thumping at La Liga leaders Barcelona over the weekend, continuing a poor domestic campaign, although they were missing several regular starters and were reduced to 10 men early on.

"It's in the past now and we have to prepare as best as we can for the game on Thursday," said coach Imanol Alguacil.

Sitting ninth in La Liga, the Europa League represents their best hope of silverware this season, as is also the case for United, who flunked out of the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham on March 2.

La Real are also in the Copa del Rey semi-finals but a 1-0 home defeat by Real Madrid in the first leg leaves them in a tough spot before the return match in April.