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Will Ugarte Face Real Sociedad?

Mar 10, 2025

Man United boss Ruben Amorim is hopeful that Manuel Ugarte will be fit for their upcoming Europa League last-16 second leg tie against Real Sociedad.  

The midfielder has not played for United since he picked up a minor injury in their FA Cup exit to Fulham. 

United are currently level at 1-1 against Sociedad in the Europa League, which is their last chance to win a trophy this season.  

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Meanwhile Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has played down the extent of Thibaut Courtois's injury, which forced him to miss their La Liga win over Rayo Vallecano.  

He insists the goalkeeper will be available for their upcoming Champions League last-16 second leg against local rivals Atletico.  

Real have a 2-1 aggregate lead over Atletico, and need at least a draw to reach the quarterfinals.  

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Former All-England winner Hafiz Hashim has backed fellow Malaysian Leong Jun Hao to beat defending champion Jonatan Christie in this year's tournament, which starts tomorrow.  

Hafiz says Jun Hao has matured a lot as a player, and can overcome the Indonesian so long as he shows good mental strength.  

Jun Hao and Jonatan are due to meet in the opening round.  

The Malaysian won two of his three encounters against Jonatan last year, including in the semifinals of the Japan Masters back in October. 

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