Deadly Trio: Three Sociedad Players Man United Must Keep An Eye On

Manchester United fans are unlikely to need reminding what happened the last time a side from Spain’s Basque region made the trip to Old Trafford. Thousands of Athletic Bilbao fans took over the Oyster Bar and the city centre, then, later that evening, a score of talented young footballers took over on the pitch.

Javi Martinez, Ander Herrera—a recent United target—and Iker Muniain led Athletic to a famous 3-2 win on that occasion. On Wednesday night it will be the other Basque side, Real Sociedad from San Sebastián, hoping to create some of their own history and, in turn, kick-start their flagging Champions League campaign.

And similarly to that Bilbao outfit, la Real head to the Premier League champions with a glutton of young players ready to announce themselves to English football and inflict more pain on David Moyes’ side.

Iñigo Martinez

Alongside goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, Iñigo Martinez is the only ever-present in Jagoba Arrasate’s side this season. A 22-year-old defender, Martinez is more than ready for the challenges posed by Robin van Persieand Wayne Rooney.

In his nine La Liga appearances this season he’s won 93% of his tackles and 81% or his aerial duels, while his awareness has led to 13 interceptions—he has a handy range of passing for a defender too.

Watch out for him in the penalty box as well, he scored four goals last season; three with his head and one left-footed volley against Valencia when the Champions League chase was heating up.

Ruben Pardo

The summer sale of Asier Illarramendi and the unfortunate injury to on-loan Esteban Granero have propelled Ruben Pardo, a 20-year-old midfielder, up the pecking order at Anoeta. Many had been already been calling for his inclusion anyway.

His capabilities as a passer from a deep position—he’s recorded 89% accuracy in La Liga this season—is phenomenal at times, but it’s clear he’s still trying to piece his game together.

A defensive error early on in the season against Elche showed that sometimes he’s a bit too keen to impress, while top clubs may want him to add some bulk before investing in him—either way, he’s capable of hurting United if he’s on song.

Antoine Griezmann

Currently banned from representing France after he was found to be in a Paris nightclub in the middle of two important U-21 internationals, the Champions League represents the perfect chance for Antoine Griezmann to stake his claim for a World Cup spot—should France qualify, his ban’s up in December.

The 22-year-old’s wonder strike against Lyon helped La Real into this year’s group stages, and he’s a prodigious talent bound for a big future is he continues to develop as expected.

In and out of the side due Arrasate’s rotation this season, Griezmann has yet to score the league goals (2) or create as many chances (5) as he should have, but on a one-off occasion against the Red Devils he’s sure to dazzle—United’s right-back will need to be switched on.