Real Sociedad vs. Manchester United: Players Under Most Pressure in UCL Clash

As Real Sociedad and Manchester United get set to face each other in an important Champions League battle, a few players have more on the line than others.

United enter Tuesday in first place in their group with seven points in three matches. A road win could virtually seal a spot in the knockout stage. 

However, Real Sociedad are still very much in this competition, despite opening with three losses. A victory over the first-placed team could turn around their fortunes and lead to a strong finish.

While each squad wants to earn a win, these players will especially have to put together strong performances in this matchup.

Robin van Persie, Manchester United

While Robin van Persie remains one of the top scorers in the world, he has not done a whole lot in European competition to prove this claim. 

The Dutch striker did not compete in the team's last match against Real Sociedad, when the only score was an own goal. He also did very little in the squad's draw against Shakhtar Donetsk. 

Meanwhile, the players he wants to be compared to—Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Franck Ribery and others—have provided a lot more production in the highest competition in club football.

Van Persie has scored in three EPL matches in a row, but he needs to come through in the Champions League to help his squad.

Adnan Januzaj, Manchester United

The 18-year-old star is already showing his ability for Manchester United, but he is yet to compete in a UCL match. The good news is that his manager believes he is ready:

This seems to indicate that Adnan Januzaj will get the start, which appears to be the best lineup the club can throw out there. When he is on the attack next to van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Antonio Valencia, good things happen.

However, the youngster will have to prove the ability to be consistent every time out. There are plenty of players who can come through with a score or two, but he has to help his side whenever he is on the pitch and help get the ball into the back of the net.

Otherwise, manager David Moyes might need to scale back his playing time for the moment.

Antoine Griezmann, Real Sociedad

In nine starts in La Liga, Antoine Griezmann has seven goals for Real Sociedad. At this point of the year, only Ronaldo, Messi and Diego Costa have more scores in the Spanish top-flight league.

Unfortunately, this has not carried over into play in Champions League, where he has been held scoreless in three matches. He is barely getting involved in matches and that is one of the big reasons his squad has not gotten a point in this tournament.

In order for this offense to get going, Griezmann needs to get the ball early and often. He needs to find a way to get shots on net and put pressure on the defense.

Otherwise, Real will have little chance of matching their opponent in this match.

Claudio Bravo, Real Sociedad

While Claudio Bravo has shown plenty of skill in net at times, the Chilean keeper has certainly been inconsistent this season for Real Sociedad.

The good news is that he has two clean sheets in his last three matches, and he will look to carry that momentum into this contest.

Of course, Manchester United will provide as tough of an attack as he has seen all season. Players such as van Persie and Rooney have loads of skill in the offensive zone, so Bravo will have to be on his toes throughout the match.

In a battle that can be decided by one goal, the experienced keeper has the ability to keep his side in the match with some big plays—or cost his team a win with some poor ones. 

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for the latest breaking news and analysis.