Manchester United must navigate their way through a two-legged play-off round to try and reach the Europa League last 16 after narrowly missing out on top spot in Group E - despite beating Real Sociedad 1-0 on Thursday evening in Spain.
Alejandro Garnacho, earning his second successive start in Europe, scored his first goal in United colours in the first half to scoop all three points and record a fifth successive Europa League win for the Reds. However, it was not enough to bag them top spot in the group and an automatic path to the last 16.
United had to beat the Spaniards, who won 1-0 at Old Trafford back in September, by two clear goals to win the group. Erik ten Hag's side threw everything at Sociedad in the closing stages to try and find the all-important second goal that they needed so desperately.
