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.
