SHOLA THE HISTORY BOY AS UNITED FINISH JOB
SHOLA SHORETIRE became Manchester United’s youngest player in Europe but it was about the only thing of significance at Old Trafford last night. The hard work had been done in Turin last week and United duly completed the formalities of securing their place in the last 16 of the Europa League. Shoretire came on as a secondhalf substitute for Mason Greenwood at the age of 17 years and 23 days, replacing Norman Whiteside who had topped of the list for 39 years. There was little else of note in a scrappy game as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side saw off the Spaniards. United survived an early scare after conceding a penalty for Dan James’ clumsy challenge on Andoni Gorosabel in the 12th minute. Captain Mikel Oyarzabal steered his spot-kick horribly wide of the upright. The hosts were all over the place at that stage with Sociedad on top and former United man
Adnan Januzaj intent in making an impact on his return. It needed a vital touch from Victor Lindelof to nick Oyarzabal’s low cross off the toes of Alexander Isak at the far post. United grew into the game and Bruno Fernandes — captain in the first half before he was replaced by Marcus Rashford — was at the heart of their best moments despite a mishit from an early volley in front of goal. The Portugal star hit the bar of an unguarded net after Fred had beaten goalkeeper Alejandro Remiro to Greenwood’s pass and teed up Fernandes. United had the ball in the net in the 63rd minute when substitute Axel Tuanzebe headed home, but it was ruled out by Belgian referee Lawrence Visser for a foul after a pitchside review.