November 03, (THEWILL) – Real Sociedad took top spot in Group E despite Alejandro Garnacho’s goal that gave Manchester United a 1-0 Europa League victory over the Spanish side in Thursday’s Europa League tie.
Due to a better head-to-head record, United would have advanced as group champions with a victory by two goals or more, and Garnacho’s early goal gave Erik ten Hag’s team hope that they could do exactly that.
Yet, even under increased pressure late in the game, La Real managed to stop United from scoring a second goal, mounting to a staunch defensive effort to see off the match with that lone goal, which the introduction of Marcus Rashford could not improve upon.
Still, Ten Hag’s squad advances to the next round, but they will have to compete in a two-legged play-off against one of the teams dropping into the competition from the UEFA Champions League elimination teams, with the likes of Barcelona and Juventus included.
Prior to that, both teams will resume domestic football on Sunday with United on the road to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa and La Real hosting Valencia at the Reale Arena.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
