United v Real Sociedad: Talking points

Thursday 08 September 2022 22:51

Manchester United were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Real Sociedad at Old Trafford on Thursday night, as our 2022/23 Europa League campaign got under way.

A second-half penalty from Brais Mendez just before the hour mark was enough to separate the two sides in Erik ten Hag’s first European match in charge of the Reds.

There were many talking points from our clash with the Spanish side, including Charlie McNeill's debut, Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to the starting XI, and more…

MINUTE'S SILENCE

Prior to kick-off, Old Trafford observed an impeccable moment of reflection, following the passing of Her Majesty, The Queen, which was announced by Buckingham Palace at 18:30 BST. Flags were flown at half mast around the ground, while players from both sides wore black armbands in remembrance.

Old Trafford falls silent for Her Majesty Video

Old Trafford falls silent for Her Majesty

Before Utd v Real Sociedad, all inside the stadium stood in silence as a mark of respect for Her Majesty, The Queen...

A FLEXIBLE MIDFIELD

When Ten Hag named the midfield trio of Fred, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in his starting XI, many believed that the Brazilians would anchor the midfield with the Dane in the no.10 role. Soon after kick-off, it quickly became clear that this wasn’t the case, as Fred was operating in the more advanced position and Eriksen retained the deeper role he has made his own in recent weeks.

Our no.14 looked as comfortable as ever in the first half against the Spanish side, spreading passes with ease and demonstrating a handful of powerful runs to turn defence into attack. In addition, Fred’s more advanced position allowed the Brazilian to press from the front, while his compatriot Casemiro provided the bite in front of defence with some strong challenges and well-timed interceptions.

After the break, Eriksen was replaced by Bruno Fernandes, with Fred dropping into a deeper role with Casemiro - the two also play together for their national side, of course.

A COMMANDING MAGUIRE PERFORMANCE

Our captain, Harry Maguire, returned to the starting XI to face our Spanish visitors, and put in a commanding display in the first half to keep highly rated striker Umar Sadiq quiet.

The centre-back was often seen towering over his opponent, winning countless headers and making vital interceptions. Maguire certainly won the duel with the Real Sociedad striker.

Harry Maguire returned to the United team with a dominant performance in defence.

WAS IT A PENALTY?

Lisandro Martinez was introduced at the break, along with Fernandes, and the Argentina international joined Maguire at centre-back, with Victor Lindelof shifting out to the right. Our no.6 put in another commanding performance against fellow half-time replacement Alexander Sorloth and will perhaps count himself unlucky to have given away a penalty, with Marco Di Bello pointing to the spot for handball.

It did appear to have hit Martinez's thigh before ricocheting on to his arm, but following a VAR review the decision stood, and Mendez tucked away the only goal of the game.

United 0 Real Sociedad 1

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The Reds begin this season's European campaign with a narrow home defeat.

RONALDO’S RETURN

Our Portuguese striker started at Old Trafford for the first time this season against Real Sociedad, and looked hungry to get among the goals against a side he faced on countless occasions during his time at Real Madrid. Ronaldo had a couple of chances in the first half and he did find the net, only to see the goal ruled out for offside.

He also demonstrated his desire to track back into midfield and put the visitors under pressure, while continually offering encouragement to his team-mates, as United searched for an equaliser.

Ronaldo led from the front as the Reds pushed the Spanish side all the way, hitting a left-footed effort agonisingly wide with just five minutes to go and drawing countless fouls to try and give his side a route back into the match.

Cristiano Ronaldo looked a threat all evening against our Spanish visitors.

OUR METICULOUS MANAGER

Ten Hag hardly ever sat down in his dugout against Real Sociedad, continually barking instructions to his team throughout.

When he was not standing, the Dutchman could be seen deep in discussion with Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren, deciding which move to make next to give the Reds the advantage in the fixture.

He was most animated when the visitors were awarded their penalty, and his passionate response to the decision left little to the imagination.

A DEBUT FOR MCNEILL

With six minutes left, Ten Hag opted to introduce 18-year-old forward Charlie McNeill, as the Reds chased a leveller.

The youngster partnered Ronaldo up front, and made some intelligent runs in behind, creating space for the Reds in the final third. Ultimately, it was to no avail but McNeill has a bright future and won't forget this night in a hurry.

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