Real Sociedad boss says he wants his team to score twice and will be ‘very angry’ if they lose

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Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil is aware Manchester United will be determined to beat his side by two clear goals tonight and secure top spot in the Europa League group.

Speaking at his press conference ahead of the game, he said he is equally as passionate about holding onto first place, knowing it creates an easier path to progress in the competition next year, avoiding a tie against a Champions League drop-down team.

Alguacil knows Sociedad have to make life difficult for United, who may be able to score two or three goals against his side if the Red Devils attack clicks.

So his main message to his team is that he wants Sociedad to score twice, which would require United to score four goals on the night – a feat Erik ten Hag’s side have not managed in any match this season.

Sociedad boss says he wants his team to score twice

Quoted by AS, Alguacil said his side must have the right mindset, and this means scoring goals, not just defending them.

He said: “To be first we will have to make a great game and we will have to score at least two goals. Either we go out so mentally to win the game, or we will not be able to finish as we want.

“If we win I will be very happy, if we draw too and if we lose by more than two goals, I will be very angry.”

He also dismissed suggestions that his side would be worried after their 4-0 defeat against United two seasons ago in Turin.

He said: “Maybe they are more worried about playing against us, because after what happened in Turin we beat them and drawn.”

Sociedad were lucky in the first game against Manchester United this season, benefitting from a very dodgy handball decision given against Lisandro Martinez.

They did however defend very well, and United rarely looked like breaking them down. A draw would have been the right result.

Sociedad have done well since to win every single game against Omonia and Sheriff Tiraspol, but they were beaten 2-0 by Real Betis in La Liga at the weekend and have suffered two straight losses in the league now.

He admitted that tiredness amid a packed schedule was a factor for his side, and called on the home fans to try and make a difference tonight, adding: “We need the fans because the fatigue is accumulating and the players need that extra that comes from the stands.”