Manager Jagoba Arrasate has no doubts that his Real Sociedad side can beat an in-form Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The team meet at Estadio Anoeta with United going into the clash unbeaten in their last seven games, having won each of their last four matches, a run that began with a 1-0 victory over the Spaniards in the reverse fixture a fortnight ago.
Despite United's hot streak, Arrasate feels that Sociedad's current momentum can help them come out on top against the Premier League champions.
"If we do things right and get close to our game plan we can win. This is the only thing on our minds," Arrasate told the press. "United have qualification in their sights and are playing away from home so we don't know how they'll approach [the game]. We have to try to play our normal game and take the initiative – if we can get close to doing what we want and do our jobs well, as we have been doing, I think we can get the better of United.
"We've improved our league form – we've got more points and more goals now, so in that sense we are more confident. But I don't know if it's enough to close the gap with United that we saw at Old Trafford. United were superior in England although I think we can do things better.
"They are the reigning champions of England, they have great players. I don't know if people are less respectful than they were or if they've been more ambitious against them because Sir Alex [Ferguson] is no longer there [but] we know they're a very tough opponent. We respect them and we're really excited about trying to put in a good performance and beat them."
The match kicks off at 7.45pm.
Matt Cotton
