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Home > Blog Post > The Red Devils Finish Second in Europa League Group Despite a Tenacious Performance | Players Ratings From Sociedad vs United Game

The Red Devils Finish Second in Europa League Group Despite a Tenacious Performance | Players Ratings From Sociedad vs United Game

Real Sociedad vs Manchester United

We have the Manchester United player ratings as a tenacious performance saw them secure a 0-1 victory over Real Sociedad in their final Europa League group stage fixture on Thursday. However, having failed to move up to the top spot within their group, the Red Devils are likely to face a stiff opponent in their first knockout round of the competition after the end of the World Cup.

A dominant start to the game saw the home side retain the bulk of possession for most phases of play before the half-time break. Struggling to gain possession in a bid to control the midfield, United failed to make the best of their goal-scoring opportunities before a well-weighted pass by Cristiano Ronaldo saw Alejandro Garnacho succeed in giving United the lead in the 17th minute.

Manchester United, Real Sociedad
Image Obtained Via Sky Sports

However, with both sides effectively nullifying the other’s strengths, the hosts struggled to find the back of the net whilst the visitors failed to double the lead owing to a relatively underwhelming second-half performance on Thursday.

With Real Sociedad having sealed the top spot within the group – moving into the round of 16 – Manchester United will be keen on improving their standard of performance ahead of the competition’s resumption in February.

Manchester United Player Ratings Vs Real Sociedad: Starting XI

David De Gea (GK) – 7/10: Excellent between the sticks, a crucial double-save saw De Gea play a pivotal role in United keeping a clean sheet on Thursday. Having shown promising improvement in his attributes, the Spaniard will be keen on maintaining his consistent run of form over the coming weeks.

Diogo Dalot (RB) – 6/10: A decent display saw Dalot remain a steady presence at right-back for most of the ninety minutes. Amongst the team’s most consistent players in recent weeks, the Portuguese international will be looking to deliver valuable contributions moving forward.

Victor Lindelof (RCB) – 6/10: Notable in his consistency over recent performances, Lindelof emerged as a solid presence in defence before his substitution. Having been amongst the underrated performers this season, the centre-back will be keen on making the best of his opportunities over the coming weeks.

Lisandro Martinez (LCB) – 7/10: Dominant at the back, Martinez delivered yet another compelling display against Sociedad. Having emerged among the team’s most consistent performers this season, the centre-back will be keen on maintaining his excellent standard of display moving forward.

Lisandro Martinez
Image Obtained via Planet Football

Luke Shaw (LB) – 6/10: Steady in his overall performance, Shaw remained a reliable presence at left-back on Thursday. Likely to have cemented his place in the starting line-up, the England international will be keen on performing to the best of his abilities over the coming weeks.

Casemiro (CDM) – 7/10: Tenacious in his application, Casemiro delivered a solid performance against Sociedad. With the team reliant on his defensive impact and competitive ability across the midfield, the Brazilian will be keen on remaining consistent in his output moving forward.

Christian Eriksen (CM – 5/10: Relatively ineffective on the pitch, Eriksen struggled to deliver to the best of his abilities on Thursday. However, expected to remain a vital part of the first-team line-up, the midfielder will be keen on regaining his consistency over the coming weeks.

Bruno Fernandes (RW) – 6/10: Though decent in his contribution on the pitch, the Manchester United remained a relatively unimpactful figure across the attacking third against Real Sociedad. With the player continuing to adapt to his disciplined role, the Portuguese international will be looking to make the best of his opportunities moving forward.

Donny Van De Beek (CAM) – 6/10: A surprise inclusion to the starting line-up, Van De Beek delivered a steady display on Thursday. Yet to regain match sharpness, however, the midfielder will be keen on witnessing an improvement in his game-time and performances over the coming weeks.

Alejandro Garnacho (LW) – 7/10: A tenacious figure throughout the ninety minutes, Garnacho delivered an excellent display against Sociedad. Likely to be granted cameos over the coming weeks, the youngster will be looking to make the best of his opportunities moving forward.

Alejandro Garnacho
Image Obtained Via Sky Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo (ST) – 6/10: Despite failing to find the back of the net, Ronaldo delivered an encouraging display on Thursday. Likely to retain his spot in the starting line-up at the weekend owing to lack of options, the Portuguese international will be keen on making the best of his opportunities over the coming fixtures.

Manchester United Player Ratings Vs Real Sociedad: Substitutions

Marcus Rashford (RW) – 6/10: Decent in his application, Rashford failed to make an impact owing to United’s underwhelming collective display in the second half. Likely to slot back into the starting line-up at the weekend, the forward will be keen on performing to the best of his ability moving forward.

Scott McTominay (CM) – 6/10: A steady cameo saw McTominay remain a reliable presence in the midfield. Having struggled to break into the starting line-up following Casemiro’s gradual integration into the squad, the Scotsman will be keen on making the best of his opportunities over the coming weeks.

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Harry Maguire (ST) – 6/10: Utilised as a target man in a bid to improve the team’s goal-scoring prospects in the second half, Maguire found himself in an unusual position against Sociedad. Expected to return to his familiar centre-back role at the weekend, the England international will be keen on cementing his spot in the starting line-up moving forward.

Fred (CM) – 6/10: Introduced to add fresh legs in the midfield, Fred delivered a decent cameo on Thursday. Expected to remain a rotational squad member before the World Cup break, the midfielder will be keen on making the best of his opportunities over the coming weeks.

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