Real Sociedad 0 Manchester United 1
Manchester United recorded a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena in the Europa League, with Alejandro Garnacho netting the game's only goal.
In what was a fiery contest throughout, the Reds required a two-goal margin of victory to top the group ahead of the hosts, and despite our best efforts, it is now confirmed that Erik ten Hag's side will play an extra two games in the competition's knockout round play-offs.
It was a night to remember for teenager Garnacho, as the 19-year-old swept home his first senior goal for the club in the first half, after some clever play in the build-up involving Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes.
With the competition now pausing until after the completion of the World Cup in Qatar, we will discover our opponents in Monday's upcoming draw, with eight teams from the UEFA Champions League falling into Europe's secondary tournament, following their own eliminations.
Garnacho joins special graduates club
ArticleAlejandro has followed in the footsteps of some stellar United Academy products by scoring in Spain.
FIRST HALF
The game exploded into action after just five minutes, as the hosts' playmaker Mikel Merino found space to pick out Carlos Fernández. The forward slipped in behind the United backline before firing into the side netting, although he was subsequently flagged offside.
In the 17th minute, Erik ten Hag's side took the lead, as Alejandro Garnacho netted his first goal for the senior side. Bruno Fernandes's wonderfully timed header found Cristiano Ronaldo in a promising attacking area and our no.7 played in the young Argentinian to his left, allowing him to race through and smash home the game's opening strike.
Garnacho was proving to be a thorn in La Real's side, as soon after, the teenager twisted and turned inside the penalty area, before unfortunately blazing his effort over the bar.
Lisandro Martinez sent a searching ball forward after 41 minutes gone, and it fell kindly to Ronaldo in the process. Our no.7 cheekily attempted to score with a lofted shot over Alex Remiro but instead of settling inside the net, it landed on the roof.
In the final knockings of the half, the Reds had David De Gea to thank for pulling off a wonderful double save to keep our lead intact. First, Andoni Gorosabel tried his luck from the edge of the area as our no.1 dived into action, before 19-year-old Pablo Marin raced onto the follow-up and was brilliantly denied what looked to be a certain equaliser by the United goalkeeper's head.
With the second half beginning at a frantic pace, defensive aggression seemed to be the order sent out by Ten Hag, as both Martinez and Garnacho could be seen putting their bodies on the line to protect our lead early on.
Substitutes then soon followed as the United manager sought a vital second goal in the contest. Victor Lindelof and Donny van de Beek were replaced by Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford just before the hour mark.
With 70 minutes gone, a long throw into the box caused the Reds a problem, as La Real forward Fernández was allowed time to turn before his effort sailed over the bar.
The hosts' substitute Robert Navarro came forward with just 12 minutes remaining, as the former Barcelona man attempted to claw his team back into the contest. Both Martinez and Luke Shaw stood firm to deny his attacking advances.
As the contest ticked on, and with time running out, Casemiro's effort was saved well by Remiro as he dived at the feet of McTominay late on. The flag was raised soon after, as Ten Hag's side valiantly pushed for a vital second goal.
Although the 1-0 victory extends our current unbeaten streak, the scoreline wasn't enough to secure top spot in Group E, with Real Sociedad's defence standing firm to hold out, as Imanol Alguacil's side were confirmed as group winners.
18 years and 125 days dreaming of this moment
— Alejandro Garnacho (@agarnacho7) November 3, 2022
Thanks Idol, @Cristiano pic.twitter.com/p3znaynaH3
We move on and we keep going after our goals this season! Thanks to our supporters that never give up on us!👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/KPXpPz2Jng
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) November 3, 2022
Another good win! let’s keep this positive momentum for Sunday 💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/i5zKuCiiqh
— Bruno Fernandes (@B_Fernandes8) November 3, 2022
Closing the group campaign with a win. Thanks for all your support. 👏 #mufc pic.twitter.com/bW0TKUOgkD
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) November 3, 2022
Finishing group stage with a win and clean sheet 💪🏻
— Diogo Dalot (@DalotDiogo) November 3, 2022
Sunday we go again. Thank you to the fans who traveled ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5IFx3gy1fq
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Short highlights of this game will be published below from midnight UK time.
Longer versions, including the full 90 minutes, will be available from midnight on Friday.
Highlights: Real Sociedad v United
Short highlights | Watch two minutes of action from matchday six in the Europa League...
MATCH DETAILS
United: De Gea, Dalot, Lindelof (McTominay, 58), Martinez, Shaw, Casemiro, Eriksen (Fred, 83), Casemiro, Fernandes (c), van de Beek (Rashford, 58), Garnacho (Maguire, 83), Ronaldo.
Subs not used: Dubravka, Vitek, Malacia, Wan-Bissaka, Iqbal, Pellistri, Elanga, Shoretire.
Goal: Garnacho (17).
Bookings: Martinez, Ronaldo, Dalot.
Real Sociedad: Remiro; Gorosabel (Elustondo, 58), Le Normand, Pacheco, Rico; Merin (Navarro, 58), Zubimendi, Merino (c), Mendez (Zubeldia, 83); Sorloth (Magunazelaia, 82), Fernandez (Guevera, 73).
Subs not used: Zubiaurre (GK), Marrero (GK), Sola, Illarramendi, Turrientes, Gonzalez, Karrikaburu.
Bookings: Mendez, Fernandez.