UNITED FEEL SECOND BEST
Early loss to Sociedad puts Reds in play-offs
NOT even a first senior goal from Alejandro Garnacho could prevent a Europa League playoff for Manchester United.
Two extra games in February against a Champions League side to reach the last 16 is the last thing United need in this bonkers season.
Barcelona, Juventus and Ajax lurking in that draw.
United finished second in their Europa League group to Real Sociedad by one goal as their opening-game defeat by the Basque side, courtesy of Brais Mendez’s controversial penalty, proved decisive.
It all looked so different when Garnacho scored his first goal for United to beat George Best’s record and become the Red Devils’ youngest non-English goalscorer in Europe at 18 years and 125 days.
The Argentina Under 20s winger looks a real talent and his display was the one big positive on a disappointing night for United, who looked well positioned to score the second goal they needed to top the group.
But they lost their way after an impressive second half and finished the game with Harry Maguire partnering Cristiano Ronaldo up front as Erik Ten Hag’s tactics became more bizarre.
Donny van de Beek failed to impress in his first start under Ten Hag before he was hooked just before the hour mark. The travelling fans braved rain before kick-off and United weathered a bright start by Real until Garnacho opened the scoring in the 17th minute.
It was a beautifully worked goal involving Bruno Fernandes – shunted out to the right to accommodate
Van de Beek – and Ronaldo. Fernandes flicked a header on for Ronaldo to find Garnacho, who finished a precise pass expertly with his left foot into the far top corner.
United took control with Lisandro Martinez a rock at the back and Casemiro running the midfield.
Garnacho might have had a second when Fernandes found him. He showed nice footwork but shot over.
Ronaldo should also have netted when Jon Pacheco’s mistake let him in but lifted his shot onto the roof of the net.
David De Gea has been immense for United in recent weeks and delivered again with a double save just before halftime. The Spaniard parried Andonin Gorosabel’s drive
before blocking Pablo Marin’s follow-up with his head.
Martinez has made such a difference at the back for United and he won a critical header with Alexander Sorloth.
United lost their way in the second half and Ten Hag sent Marcus Rashford with just over half an hour left, switching to just three at the back. His tactics became even more desperate when he put Harry Maguire on up front for Garnacho.
But United could not find the second they so badly needed. REAL SOCIEDAD (4-3-1-2): Remiro 6; Gorosabel 6 (Elustondo 58, 6), Le Normand 5, Pacheco 5, Rico 6; Marin 7 (Navarro 6), Zubimendi 6, Merino 7; Mendez 6 (Zubeldia 83); Sorloth 7 (Magunacelaya 82), Carlos Fernandez 5 (Guevara 73).
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): De Gea 8; Dalot 6, Lindelof 6 (Lindelof 58, 6), Martinez 8, Shaw 6; Casemiro 7, Eriksen 6 (Fred 83); Fernandes 7, Van de Beek 4 (Rashford 58, 6), Garnacho 8 (Maguire 83); Ronaldo 6. Goal: Garnacho 17.