Real Sociedad vs. Man United: Manchester United’s first goal came from Alejandro Garnacho, but a 1-0 triumph over Real Sociedad wasn’t enough to keep them from placing second in their Europa League group and facing a playoff against a side that had dropped out of the Champions League.
United needed a two-goal victory in San Sebastian to leapfrog the Spanish team at the top of Group E and advance directly to the Europa League last 16.
Instead, they will face a knockout round playoff against one of the eight Champions League group stage third-place finishers: Ajax, Barcelona, Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen, FC Salzburg, Sevilla, Shakhtar Donetsk and Sporting CP.
While Erik ten Hag’s resurgent squad did not achieve the desired outcome, their 18-year-old superstar scored his first goal.
“I am really pleased with his performance: he posed a threat, scored a goal, and played well defensively.” “It was a terrific ending, a great attack, and a lot of fun,” Ten Hag stated after the game. “Not always do you receive what you deserve?” We had a penalty in the first game that we didn’t think was a penalty, but we won today.
“There are some positives: Garnacho and Donny [van De Beek] are back.” “We scored a good goal, but we didn’t get the two we needed.”
Garnacho offered another glimpse of his promise in just his second appearance for the club, following his full debut in last week’s triumph over FC Sheriff, with a wonderfully struck goal in the 17th minute at the Reala Stadium.
There was also something fitting about the assist coming from Cristiano Ronaldo, who burst onto the scene at Old Trafford as an 18-year-old almost 20 years ago before Garnacho was even born.
💪 Diogo Dalot won possession in the defensive third 10 times in Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Real Sociedad on Thursday night; No player has done so more in a Europa League match this season pic.twitter.com/1wapq13LRB
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) November 4, 2022
The Argentine teenager had a chance for a second goal soon after, but he slipped as he fired and sent his effort well over the bar after cutting in on his right foot after being found in a similar position.
Goal. Real Sociedad take the lead from the penalty spot.#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 8, 2022
Real Sociedad vs. Man United: Match Details
Shortly before halftime, the Spanish goalkeeper made an incredible double save, diving at full stretch to get one hand on a dipping strike from Andoni Gorosabel before quickly recovering and pushing Pablo Marn’s follow-up effort over the crossbar with his head.
While the result favored the home team they had better opportunities to score after halftime as they continued to press men forward.
Reports have suggested that Manchester United are prepared to revive their interest in Joao Felix 🤔
We take a quick look at the exciting young Atletico Madrid player ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/7RT5ZSgdeO
— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) November 4, 2022
In contrast, despite needing a goal and even bringing on Harry Maguire as a makeshift striker in the second half the visitors failed to muster a single shot on target allowing Real Sociedad to finish first on goal differential and advance to the last 16 of a European competition for the first time in 20 years.
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