Manchester United began their UEFA Europa League campaign with a shock 1-0 loss to Real Sociedad on Thursday evening.
UEFA Europa League
Result: Manchester United 0-1 Real Sociedad
Date: 08 September 2022
Venue: Old Trafford
Man United rotated the side after their win over Arsenal, as Cristiano Ronaldo was recalled alongside Antony and Anthony Elanga in front three while Casemiro was handed his first start.
Erik ten Hag's charges combined well going forward in the opening exchanges but lacked the final ball and enough space to have a shot at goal, as they were quickly closed down by Sociedad on the edge of the box.
However, the visitors had spaces on their attacking moments and Brais Mendez had a chance to break the deadlock just before the half-hour mark after David Silva recycled a rebound in the box but his shot flashed just wide.
United continued to have more threats going forward and they thought they were ahead eight minutes later after goalkeeper Alex Remiro tipped Ronaldo's header into the crossbar and the ball bounced over the line.
However, the goal was disallowed for offside and the Spanish side managed the game in the tail end of the first stanza to leave the sides deadlocked at half-time.
United had a quick start in the second stanza and should have been 1-0 up three minutes in after Elanga setup Ronaldo to a shot at goal from close-range but the Portuguese's effort skimmed past the crossbar.
However, the game opened up as Imanol Alguacil's troops fancied their chances and Brais Mendez eventually broke the deadlock on the hour-mark with a penalty kick beyond the reach of goalkeeper David de Gea after a handball by Lisandro Martinez in the box.
The Red Devils had the urgency going forward after that and nearly equalised five minutes later after Casemiro had a header at the back post that bounced just over the crossbar after a cross by Bruno Fernandes.
In need of a response, Ten Hag made a double change in the last 20 minutes as Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho both replaced Antony and Elanga for fresh legs upfront.
The changes gave United an extra boost going forward, as Casemiro came close to levelling matters in the last 13 minutes with a low swerving strike that was deflected just wide by Mikel Merino.
The hosts had a flurry of opportunities in the dying minutes but lacked the killer instinct, as Sociedad held on to claim all three points.
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