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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Dan Brown

How Real Sociedad dressing room celebrated Europa League win over Manchester United

Manchester United's Europa League campaign began with a home defeat by Real Sociedad at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

The match was overshadowed by the death of Queen Elizabeth II just hours before kick-off, with the game going ahead after consultation with the Football Association and Uefa.

Both teams wore black armbands and stood for a minute's silence as a mark of respect before kick-off. Additionally, no music was played in the stadium.

ALSO READ: Lisandro Martinez showed his class for United vs Real Sociedad

On the pitch, it was a night to forget for Erik ten Hag's men, with Brais Mendez scoring the only goal of the match from the penalty spot in the 59th minute, following a controversial handball decision against substitute Lisandro Martinez.

Cristiano Ronaldo, playing in his first Europa League game since 2002, when the competition was known as the Uefa Cup, had a first-half header disallowed for offside, with the Reds' attacking players failing to stamp their authority on the tie.

After the match, the Real Sociedad players returned to their dressing room where they were embraced by the club's staff members. There were plenty of handshakes and hugs among the players following a famous victory at Old Trafford, with the Spanish side overjoyed with the win.

A video uploaded on the club's YouTube channel shows the players and coaches celebrating their triumph over Ten Hag's side in the opening game of Group E.

The Sociedad squad also made their way back out onto the pitch in order to show their appreciation to the travelling supporters. The players were keen to gift the fans some training gear, and after a brief back-and-fourth with security, they were eventually allowed to hand out some kit.

With all Premier League matches being postponed this weekend following the death of the Queen, the Reds' next scheduled match is against FC Sheriff in the Europa League on September 15.

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