Teenager Alejandro Garnacho scored a stunning goal as Manchester United ended Real Sociedad’s unblemished Europa League record, but had to settle for second place in Group E.
Erik ten Hague’s side needed to win by two or more goals in Spain to top the group, and their spirits were boosted when Garnacho showed great pace before firing Cristiano Ronaldo’s pass into the corner of the net. .
It was a wonderful moment for the 18-year-old Madrid-born winger, who was making his second start for the Red Devils.
Ronaldo missed a great chance to double the lead with a lob into the roof of the net, before David De Gea pulled off a fine double save to keep out Andoni Gorosabel and Pablo Marin.
United finished the group stage level with Sociedad on 15 points, who go into the last 16 with a superior goal difference.
The Red Devils will now play in February’s knock-out round play-offs, where they will face one of the clubs who have been relegated from the Champions League.
Teams he could meet over the two legs include Barcelona, ​​Ronaldo’s former club Juventus, Ajax, who Ten Hag managed for five years, and Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk.
Bayer Leverkusen, Sporting Lisbon, Red Bull Salzburg and Sevilla are also in Monday’s draw for the knockout rounds.
Maguire Finished in Front
Had United scored another goal without conceding, they would have progressed as group winners and avoided two extra games in February.
They were in complete control in the first half but could not manage a single shot on target after half-time, and the match ended with substitute Harry Maguire alongside Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford.
On a wet night in the Basque Country, Garnacho became United’s youngest non-English goalscorer at 18 years and 125 days.
Four weeks ago the Argentina youth international scored a late winner for United’s under-21 side in the EFL Trophy at Barrow, and last Thursday made his full debut in the 3-0 Europa League win over Sheriff Trafford at Old Trafford. started
In San Sebastian, Garnacho showed just how much of a talent he is with a 17th-minute finish after receiving a well-timed pass from Ronaldo outside the penalty area before finishing inside the box.
Ten Hague hailed Garnacho’s “great finish” a week after it was revealed he had been angered by the teenager’s behavior earlier in the season – a situation which was sparked by Bruno Fernandes in Spain.
“He’s still only young but he’s doing great,” Fernandes said after the game.
“He wasn’t at his best at the start of the season. He didn’t have the best attitude he should have on tour. But he deserves his chance now.”
18 years and 125 days dreaming of this moment
— Alejandro Garnacho (@agarnacho7) November 3, 2022
Thanks Idol, @Cristiano pic.twitter.com/p3znaynaH3
