Talking Points: Real Sociedad 0 United 1
Manchester United defeated Real Sociedad in San Sebastian but unfortunately by only one goal, which was too little to top Europa League Group E.
The Reds arrived in the northern Spanish city knowing that a triumph by two goals or more was needed if we were to finish top of the standings after the sixth and final matchday.
Alejandro Garnacho’s first senior goal for United provided the Reds with hope of fulfilling that ambition, but the home side held firm and maintained their position at the summit of the group.
That is the first of our seven talking points following the contest at the Reale Arena, but what else stood out across the 90 minutes?
Alejandro Garnacho’s first senior goal for United provided the Reds with hope of fulfilling that ambition, but the home side held firm and maintained their position at the summit of the group.
That is the first of our seven talking points following the contest at the Reale Arena, but what else stood out across the 90 minutes?
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MIXED FEELINGS
It’s a third win from three away matches in Europe this season, but the one goal was unfortunately not enough to fulfil the Reds’ ultimate goal of topping the group in San Sebastian. Ten Hag’s side knew that only a two-goal triumph or more would do the job on the evening, and United will now go into the Europa League knockout round play-offs, with La Real advancing straight into the last 16 on goal difference.
SOME INTRIGUING TESTS AWAIT
United will find out who we will face in the play-off round during Monday’s draw, to be conducted from 12:00 GMT. The Reds will go up against one of the eight teams to finish third in the Champions League groups, and that includes the likes of Ajax and Barcelona. The ties will be played on 16 and 23 February 2023.
It’s a third win from three away matches in Europe this season, but the one goal was unfortunately not enough to fulfil the Reds’ ultimate goal of topping the group in San Sebastian. Ten Hag’s side knew that only a two-goal triumph or more would do the job on the evening, and United will now go into the Europa League knockout round play-offs, with La Real advancing straight into the last 16 on goal difference.
SOME INTRIGUING TESTS AWAIT
United will find out who we will face in the play-off round during Monday’s draw, to be conducted from 12:00 GMT. The Reds will go up against one of the eight teams to finish third in the Champions League groups, and that includes the likes of Ajax and Barcelona. The ties will be played on 16 and 23 February 2023.
GARNACHO’S LATEST TELLING IMPACT
After his Man-of-the-Match performance in the victory over Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford last week, young Alejandro was trusted to start the crucial matchday six fixture in Spain. His willingness to make a difference was, once again, telling from the off, and his efforts were soon rewarded with the opener in the country of his birth.
ANOTHER CLEAN SHEET
The Reds will be reassured by a sixth clean sheet in our last seven outings across the Premier League and Europa League. During those matches, United haven’t conceded from open play, with the only goal against coming via Jorginho’s penalty in our 1-1 draw at Chelsea last month. Since losing to Real Sociedad on the opening matchday of this season’s Europa League, the Reds have put up four shutouts in five matches.
After his Man-of-the-Match performance in the victory over Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford last week, young Alejandro was trusted to start the crucial matchday six fixture in Spain. His willingness to make a difference was, once again, telling from the off, and his efforts were soon rewarded with the opener in the country of his birth.
ANOTHER CLEAN SHEET
The Reds will be reassured by a sixth clean sheet in our last seven outings across the Premier League and Europa League. During those matches, United haven’t conceded from open play, with the only goal against coming via Jorginho’s penalty in our 1-1 draw at Chelsea last month. Since losing to Real Sociedad on the opening matchday of this season’s Europa League, the Reds have put up four shutouts in five matches.
Real Sociedad 0 United 1
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DONNY’S START
Van de Beek was named in United’s starting XI for the first time since the final group-stage fixture of our previous European campaign, at home to Young Boys on matchday six of the 2021/22 Champions League last December. The Dutchman started in the no.10 position, behind Cristiano Ronaldo, while Bruno Fernandes featured from the right wing.
A TACTICAL SWITCH
While chasing the all-important second goal needed for the two-goal advantage to top the group, Ten Hag made a double change shortly before the hour and switched – for a large part of the second half – to a three-at-the-back setup, in a system which looked to resemble a 3-3-4 shape in possession. Marcus Rashford went on in place of van de Beek to partner Cristiano Ronaldo in attack, while the withdrawal of Victor Lindelof saw Scott McTominay introduced to maintain a three-man presence in midfield. Unfortunately, it didn’t pay dividends on the evening, but the approach highlighted the ever-positive identity that Erik wants United to possess.
Van de Beek was named in United’s starting XI for the first time since the final group-stage fixture of our previous European campaign, at home to Young Boys on matchday six of the 2021/22 Champions League last December. The Dutchman started in the no.10 position, behind Cristiano Ronaldo, while Bruno Fernandes featured from the right wing.
A TACTICAL SWITCH
While chasing the all-important second goal needed for the two-goal advantage to top the group, Ten Hag made a double change shortly before the hour and switched – for a large part of the second half – to a three-at-the-back setup, in a system which looked to resemble a 3-3-4 shape in possession. Marcus Rashford went on in place of van de Beek to partner Cristiano Ronaldo in attack, while the withdrawal of Victor Lindelof saw Scott McTominay introduced to maintain a three-man presence in midfield. Unfortunately, it didn’t pay dividends on the evening, but the approach highlighted the ever-positive identity that Erik wants United to possess.
AN UNFAMILIAR SURROUNDING
Manchester United had only visited Real Sociedad’s Anoeta Stadium – known as the Reale Arena for sponsorship reasons – once before this evening’s match. That was a 0-0 draw in the group stage of the 2013/14 Champions League, and since then, the ground has seen a significant change, due to a recent expansion and the removal of a running track from around the edge of the pitch. Despite our unfamiliarity with the surroundings, and an intense atmosphere, the Reds did enough to send our supporters home with three points, albeit not by the desired margin.
Manchester United had only visited Real Sociedad’s Anoeta Stadium – known as the Reale Arena for sponsorship reasons – once before this evening’s match. That was a 0-0 draw in the group stage of the 2013/14 Champions League, and since then, the ground has seen a significant change, due to a recent expansion and the removal of a running track from around the edge of the pitch. Despite our unfamiliarity with the surroundings, and an intense atmosphere, the Reds did enough to send our supporters home with three points, albeit not by the desired margin.
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