Alejandro Garnacho’s first goal was not enough for Manchester United to beat their Europa League group for Real Sociedad, despite a 1-0 win in Spain.
With the result, Erik ten Hag’s side finish second in Group E and now have to compete in a two-legged play-off against a third-placed Champions League side in February.
Traveling to San Sebastian, United needed a two-goal margin to beat Sociedad and they got off to the perfect start as teenager Garnacho checked Cristiano Ronaldo’s fine through ball before driving forward and blasting home in the 17th minute. The strike saw 18-year-old George Best overtake as United’s youngest non-English goalscorer in European competition.
The Argentine then flared up more than 10 minutes later before Ronaldo missed a glorious opportunity to extend United’s lead just before half time when he narrowly lifted his effort over the crossbar.
An impressive double save from David de Gea saw United go into halftime with the lead they needed, but their search for that all-important second goal after the break was unsuccessful – despite the introductions of Marcus Rashford and makeshift striker Harry maguire.
Garnacho celebrates after scoring his first senior goal for Manchester United
The draw for the play-offs of the Europa League will take place on Monday. As runners-up, United will discover who they will play against in the next stage, with Barcelona, ​​Juventus and Ten Hag’s former club Ajax as potential opponents.
Sociedad, who eventually won Group E on goal difference, will find out who they will play against on February 24 in the round of 16 after the play-off round has ended.
When is the draw for the Europa League play-offs?
The draw for the Europa League play-offs will take place at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, on 7 November at 12 noon.
The eight group winners of the Europa League will compete against the eight third-placed teams from the group stage of the Champions League.
The eight group winners from the Europa League miss the draw and receive a bye for the round of 16. On 24 February they will be placed and drawn against one of the eight winners from the play-off round.
However, no two sides of the same national association can be drawn against each other in the play-off round or round of 16.
Ten Hag: You don’t always get what you deserve
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag told BT Sport: “You don’t always get what you deserve. First leg, you get a penalty that is not a penalty. Today we win, I’m happy with that.”
“I’m happy with some other things, like Garnacho’s performance. Donny, back in the team. I think we scored a very good goal with Garnacho. Also some good opportunities.”
“But of course we are disappointed. We didn’t score twice, because that was what we needed.”
About Garnacho’s performance, Ten Hag said: “I am very happy and I hope he can keep it up. He was a threat, he scored a goal and he was reliable defensively.”
“If he can keep this up, I’ll be very happy. It was a great finish for his goal.”
Erik ten Hag was happy with Manchester United’s performance but disappointed they couldn’t win their Europa League group
Fernandes: We tried everything
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes told BT Sport: “Our goal for today was to win by two goals.
“We tried everything, at the end we took a few more risks to try to score the second goal.
“We won the game against a great opponent; it wasn’t enough to win the group, but it’s a win.”
Opta stats: Man Utd unbeaten streak continues
- Manchester United are now unbeaten in their previous five away games against the Spanish opposition in the European competition (W4 D1), their longest run.
- Manchester United have now won seven of their last eight away matches in the Europa League (L1) and have kept a clean sheet in six of those wins.
- Erik ten Hag has now gone unbeaten in his previous 10 away matches in European competition (W8 D2), including wins in all three of his appearances as manager of Manchester United.
- Between goalscorer Alejandro Garnacho (18j 125d) and assist Cristiano Ronaldo (37j 271d) for Manchester United is 19 years and 147 days. It is the second largest age difference between goalscorer and assist in the Europa League.
What’s next for Man Utd?
Thursday, November 10, 7:00 PM
Kick-off 20:00
Manchester United have three games left before the World Cup. They return to Premier League action on Sunday when they travel to Aston Villa (starting at 2 p.m.). United then take on Unai Emery’s side again in the EFL Cup at Old Trafford on November 10, live on air sports (starting at 8 p.m.).
In United’s last game before the tournament in Qatar, they make the trip to Fulham in the Premier League on November 13, also live on air sports (starting at 4.30 pm).
Sunday 13 November 4 pm
Kick-off 4.30 pm
