Alejandro Garnacho’s first senior goal clinched a deserved one-goal away at Real Sociedad but it was not enough for Manchester United to top their Europa League group – meaning they now must play a playoff round ahead of the Round of 16.
Garnacho opened the scoring with a superb run and finish in the 17 th minute after latching onto the end of Cristiano Ronaldo ’s threaded through ball. The goal was just rewards for United’s first half – where they enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and chances in the game.
Real Sociedad – aware that a one-goal defeat would be a desirable outcome for topping the group as United needed to win by two clear goals or more to pip them to the spot – played cautiously throughout the tie and were happy to allow the game to drift without clear cut chances either way.
United became increasingly desperate in the second half as boss Erik ten Hag switched up his formation, ending the game with three at the back with Harry Maguire substituted on late in proceedings as an emergency striker but it was not enough for United, who now must contest the playoff round.
Mirror Football analyses five main talking points from the game in the Basque Country in Northern Spain.
Garnacho grabs the headlines
Alejandro Garnacho made the first start of his senior club career in last week’s three-goal win over FC Sheriff Tiraspol and the teenager netted his first goal to open the scoring in San Sebastian this time round. The Argentine is rated in the top bracket by the club’s youth team coaches and is now becoming embedded in the first-team squad.
Garnacho once again put in a lively performance, with his ability to go down the line and cut inside, combined with pace and directness, causing a multitude of problems for La Real’s defence.
His goal showed his intelligence to find the space and make the run for Ronaldo’s pass, while showing off his pace, first-touch, awareness and quality to produce a superb finish past Alex Remiro.
Ronaldo continues Garnacho bromance
After Garnacho’s debut against Sheriff last week, he was embraced by Cristiano Ronaldo – who then appeared to praise him while offering guidance on how he could improve. The Portuguese superstar appears to have taken his teammate under his wing.
Garnacho was born a year after Ronaldo first joined United in 2003, and the veteran forward appears to be acting as somewhat of a mentor for the teen – who was born in Madrid and is understandably somewhat in awe of his teammate.
Ronaldo provided the perfectly-weighted pass for Garnacho to run on to and provide the finish to open the scoring here and the 37-year-old showed his delight with the finish by taking a moment to celebrate with the teenager.
De Gea proving a point
David De Gea has enjoyed a resurgence in form in recent months – conceding just one goal in United’s last six matches going into Thursday tie, Jorginho’s penalty against Chelsea.
However, his impressive performances were not enough to see him included in Spain’s 55-man shortlist for the World Cup as Luis Enrique included five goalkeepers but not De Gea.
He made a string of fine saves in San Sebastian – his first game on Spanish soil since his return to Atletico Madrid in last season’s Champions League Round of 16 – as he aims to show his home nation that they have made a mistake in order looking him.
Van de Beek’s rare chance
Donny van de Beek made his first start of the season at United – despite initial suggestions he may feature more prominently under his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag. The Dutch midfielder has failed to enjoy a run of games at the club since joining in the summer of 2020.
Now aged 25, Van de Beek put in a neat and tidy performance but failed to be involved in any game-changing moments and to assert his authority on proceedings. He was substituted off before the hour mark, with Scott McTominay coming on in his place. The Dutchman will be hoping for more opportunities domestically in the coming months, but his struggles have continued.
Ten Hag’s subs don’t pay off
Manchester United produced a superb first half of control that earned them a well-earned lead, but the hosts came back into the game and Erik ten Hag felt compelled to change the shape of his side.
United went to three defenders at the hour mark as Victor Lindelof was subbed off for Scott McTominay in an unforeseen change of shape, while the game ended with Harry Maguire playing upfront as he was a late substitute on for Garnacho.
Barcelona, Sevilla, Juventus, Ajax, Sporting CP, RB Salzburg, Shakhtar Donestk and Bayer Leverkusen are the eight teams dropping out of the Champions League – of which United will play one.
