The match itself was between the two strongest teams in Group E, both of whom were hoping to get their European campaigns off to a strong start.
United’s £82 million signing from Ajax, Antony, had a dream debut against Arsenal, scoring his side’s opener in a 3-1 win; Who became the 21st Red to score on his EPL debut. He’s the only player in the starting XI to have scored a goal so far this season, though and was looking to provide Cristiano Ronaldo with plenty of chances to get off the mark, but the match suggests otherwise.
Patience is 🔑
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 6, 2022
All 1️⃣1️⃣ Reds were involved in @Antony00's goal on Sunday 👏#MUFC pic.twitter.com/4xSg47ozAX
Tonight's United line-up.#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 8, 2022
Umar Sadiq had already scored twice in three games this season before Sociedad bought him from Almeria, and the Nigerian international scored on his debut for the visitors, too, suggesting he would be one hell of a handful for the Red Devils’ defense. Neither his nor Ronaldo's debut in the Europa was pleasant.
🧐 What are your match predictions tonight? #UEL | #EuropaRS | #AurreraReala pic.twitter.com/GpCfXVFrya
— Real Sociedad 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 (@RealSociedadEN) September 8, 2022
📋 Our 𝗫𝗜 🆚 @ManUtd!#UEL | #EuropaRS | #AurreraReala pic.twitter.com/paHKqWUVbd
— Real Sociedad 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 (@RealSociedadEN) September 8, 2022
Before today Real Sociedad never won against English opponents in Europe, scoring only once across six matches, four of which they lost. Nonetheless, their last game against English opponents happened to be a 0-0 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford in February 2021. And today, they updated that fact.
Manchester United was currently unbeaten across their last 18 home matches in the Europa League, starting with victory against FC Midtjylland in February 2016, and have won 14 of these such games. All of these are now just history.
A first half lacked quality, with neither side creating much in the way of chances, aside from Ronaldo's headed goal, which was ruled out for offside. Sociedad's packed midfield and organized defense frustrated the hosts, but the Red Devils needed to add more speed and creativity to their attacks.
Bringing on Bruno was the right thing to do, but the player sacrificed for this cause went horribly wrong. I was shocked to see Fred still on the pitch. As far as I know, even playing with ten men without him was a better thing to do. Resting Eriksen for a struggling United made them suffer.
Dalot also came off, with Lisandro Martinez introduced, suggesting that a formation change- that didn't happen or worked out; I was confused.
Dalot was United's best so far in this game, managing more successful passes than anyone else on the pitch and completing all of his 12 in Sociedad's half. One of these created a goalscoring chance, and the other was nodded off the bar by an offside Ronaldo. Defensively, he's also won the ball five times, a joint-high for his team, including one interception to deny the visitors.
Erik ten Tag was definitely out of his mind. For his wrongdoing, everyone is trolling Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire. People without proper understanding and knowledge talk like they know it all, especially a specific fan base whose every UEFA end as a brutal rape.
Manchester United had never conceded in four previous meetings with Real Sociedad, facing no side more often in their history without conceding a goal. Despite not clicking to the point, this was happening again. But I don't get it why it was a penalty after the VAR check. Even the commentator was saying. It would definitely be ruled out by VAR. It was clear as daylight. Martinez was even shown a yellow card for the handball, which was a tad harsh given the ball appeared to have bounced up off his leg before striking his elbow. Madness!!
⚽ 57’ | 0-1 | REEEAAALLL SCORE!
— Real Sociedad 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 (@RealSociedadEN) September 8, 2022
⚽ BRAIS CONVERTS FROM THE PENALTY SPOT!
#UEL | #EuropaRS | #AurreraReala pic.twitter.com/HckFNEw7RN
It's Mendez who stepped up, smashing the penalty into the bottom right corner and beyond the reach of De Gea to make it 1-0 to the visitors!!! They were very passive so far this half, but now they had the lead, and Manchester United needed to try and turn this game around now, and the possibilities were destroyed by none other than the new man in Charge.
Once again 💙 pic.twitter.com/dInEqBKgPF
— David Silva (@21LVA) September 8, 2022
Silva has three goals and two assists in eight appearances against Manchester United at Old Trafford, all coming in the Premier League with Manchester City between 2011 and 2019. The Old Trafford faithful haven’t forgotten his eight seasons in the blue half of Manchester, but after having a shot that forced the penalty, it was Silva who got the last laugh.
Aihen Munoz was simply outstanding down the left for the visitors, running up and down the flank all game long and finishing it with six entries into the final third, making five crosses and maintaining an 80 percent passing accuracy. He won nine of his 14 duels and won the ball seven times in total via five tackles and two clearances.
🔝 What a performance! #AurreraReala pic.twitter.com/w4GtqpCqFb
— Real Sociedad 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 (@RealSociedadEN) September 9, 2022
Despite a loss in a very close game, Manchester United can't be too disheartened about the result, particularly with perceived 'easier' matches coming up against Sheriff and Omonia, the former of whom beat the latter 3-0 in the corresponding fixture. Sociedad will feel much the same way, but beginning the campaign with three points is precisely the start they'll have wanted, particularly if it's to be a shoot-out between themselves and the Red Devils for the top spot.
