Real Sociedad 0, Manchester United 1 (Europa League)
Alejandro Garnacho scored his first Manchester United goal as the Reds beat Real Sociedad but couldn’t top their Europa League group.
United’s unbeaten run was extended to nine games but the Reds still ended up as Europa League runners up despite earning 15 out of 18 points.
Even in defeat La Real pipped United to the top spot on goal difference as the Reds failed to score a second goal that would have meant Erik Ten Hag’s men and had to settle for a playoff to reach the Round of 16 tie against a potential host of Champions League sides who finished third in their groups this term.
This was a high stakes game with the objective being to avoid an extra qualifying round of 32 containing a dangerous set of clubs who had finished third in the Champions League.
The prize for failing to top the Europa League group was avoiding the extra round with the likes of Barcelona, Juventus, or Ajax.
Real Sociedad were without a clutch of first team players including ex-City player David Silva who was ruled out until the new year.
Erik Ten Hag says United were ‘erratic’
United boss Erik Ten Hag wanted to take the positives from a bittersweet evening for the Reds.
He said: “You don’t always deserve what you get. That’s football.
“We had a good performance from Alejandro Garnacho but I am disappointed we didn’t score two goals because we needed them.
“It was a great finish, and really enjoyable.
“We had players not available – Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Antony Martial were not available.
“I wanted to bring extra offensive players in but we were too erratic and weren’t good on the ball any more.
“In the last 20 minutes we got the ball in the box and took risks but we kept a clean sheet well.
”We have to take the positives from this game.”
Bruno Fernandes ploughed a lonely furrow on the right wing – admitting he did what was needed for the team – and was pleased with United’s progress.
He said: “We knew we needed two goals. We tried everything and had to take more risks in the end.
“Being top of the group was our goal before the game and we got another clean sheet which is important for the confidence.”
And Fernandes praised the improvement in Garnacho’s attitude since United’s pre-season tour – form which has led to a recall to the first team.
He added: “[Alejandro] was good, he knows we expect a lot from him and he’s done well.
“He was not at his best at the start of the season – he deserves his chances now because he has a better attitude.”
Erik Ten Hag made three changes from the side that squeezed past West Ham on Sunday – Harry Maguire was replaced by Victor Lindelof, Anthony Elanga was replaced by Alejandro Garnacho, and Marcus Rashford was replaced by Donny van de Beek who was making his first start in 11 months.
Alejandro Garnacho scores his first Manchester United goal
United needed to win by two clear goals but it was Real Sociedad who started on the front foot but they could not capitalise on early possession.
The Reds could not afford to concede a goal but they were in the lead after 17 minutes when a Bruno Fernandes header set Cristiano Ronaldo on his way – the striker’s through ball was perfect for the 18-year-old Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho’s direct running which took him within 6 yards of the goal and he thrashed the ball home for his first Reds goal in only his second start – and only the second goal that La Real had conceded in the group stage.
There was time for a little nervousness during a brief VAR check before the game kicked off again and United took control the game and reduced the home side’s effectiveness and could have doubled their leads with a handful of attacks later in the first half.
Pablo Marin’s tame shot was the home side’s first effort on target after 41 minutes while Ronaldo broke free and intercepted a defensive pass before lifting the ball over the keeper and onto the roof of the net, he looked offside in the build-up which would have spared his blushes.
David De Gea made a double save from Sociedad chances, palming a long range shot away before also stopping the follow-up from Marin at point blank range with his head.
United fail to get a second goal against Real Sociedad
United pressed for a second goal which would win them the tie but couldn’t find an early breakthrough after the restart.
Van de Beek and Lindelof were withdrawn with Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay coming on – Casemiro dropped into the defence as United had to go for it with 32 minutes to go.
There were further tactical re-shuffles as Erik Ten Hag switch to a 3-3-1-3 with the time slowly ebbed away for United and Lisandro Martinez and Ronaldo were added to the card happy referee’s book.
De Gea saved from Ander Guevara and the time wasting started for the home side who were still able to threaten United as they became more sloppy in their quest for a second goal.
Fred and Harry Maguire were brought on for a nail biting last 8 minutes in San Sebastián as Christian Eriksen and Garnacho made way and United went with their captain up front as a battering ram alongside Ronaldo.
But the frustration was evident as the home side held on for a win as Casemiro had a shot blocked going into five minutes of injury time,