Whiteside’s record tumbles as United stroll into last 16
OLE Gunnar Solskjaer’s men secured safe passage to the Europa League last-16 against Real Sociedad as 17-year-old Shola Shoretire became the youngest ever player to represent Manchester United in a European match.
This tie was all but settled when the Red Devils scored four away goals without reply in Turin last week, yet the Norwegian still named a surprisingly strong side.
Solskjaer had hoped to build momentum and confidence in the second leg at Old Trafford but had to make do with a 0-0 draw and slice of history when introducing teenager Shoretire — who, aged 17 years 23 days, replaces Norman Whiteside as the youngest player to represent United in European competition.
It was a memorable moment towards the end of a largely forgettable clash, with Sociedad skipper Mikel Oyarzabal missing a penalty a first-half that also saw Bruno Fernandes hit the bar.
Modibo Sagnan struck the woodwork shortly after half-time and substitute Axel Tuanzebe saw a goal ruled out due to a foul in the build-up.
United were always going to be in today’s last-16 draw given the first leg result against Sociedad, for whom Manchester City great David Silva was conspicuous by his absence.
The veteran was among five alterations made by coach Imanol Alguacil, who knew their minuscule chances of progressing would only be possible by unsettling the hosts with an early opener.
Daniel James gifted them the chance to do just that, with referee Lawrence Visser pointing to the spot after the Welsh winger clattered into Andoni Gorosabel. Oyarzabal stepped up but the Sociedad skipper sent his penalty into the Stretford End.
He would have quickly made amends was it not for Victor Lindelof, who superbly cut out the winger’s cross with Alexander Isak ready to pounce.
Soon later, Sociedad goalkeeper Alejandro Remiro was dragged out of position by Fred, whose unorthodox cutback was met by a Fernandes shot that rattled the bar.
On the fifth anniversary of his debut, half-time sub Rashford wrong-footed Remiro with a 30yard free-kick that bounced just wide. United might be able to threaten from set pieces but they are often found wanting when defending them, with Sagnan seeing a header hit the bar when a free-kick caused problems.
United found the back of the net just past the hour when Tuanzebe soared to power home Alex Telles’ corner but their joy was short lived. The video assistant referee advised ref Visser to review the flying knee from Lindelof that caught Jon Bautista as the ball came in, leading the goal to be chalked off and the United defender to be booked.
MAN UNITED: Henderson, Wan-bissaka (Williams, 46 mins), Bailly, Lindelof, Telles, Fred (Tuanzebe, 46 mins), Matic, Greenwood (Shoretire, 76 mins), Fernandes (Rashford, 46 mins), James (Diallo, 59 mins), Martial. Unused subs: De Gea, Maguire, Grant, Shaw, Bishop, Galbraith.
REAL SOCIEDAD: Remiro, Gorosabel (Bautista, 46 mins), Zubeldia, Sagnan, Munoz, Zubimendi, Guevara (Guridi, 71 mins), Merino, Januzaj (Merquelanz, 65 mins), Isak (Portu, 46 mins), Oyarzabal (Barrenetxea, 46 mins). Unused subs: Monreal, Lopez, Gonzalez, Marrero, Ruiz-zeberio.
Referee: Lawrence Visser (Belgium)
Man of the match: Eric Bailly
Match rating: 4/10