United face Europa League play-off despite Sociedad win

Manchester United face a Europa League play-off in February, after failing to win by two clear goals at Real Sociedad on Thursday evening, as Alejandro Garnacho bagged his first senior goal for the club.

Having lost their opening Europa League game at home to Sociedad - courtesy of a Brais Méndez Portela strike - and entering the game with an inferior goal difference to the Spaniards, United found themselves needing to win 2-0 in Spain to avoid a knockout play-off against one of eight clubs recently eliminated from Europe's elite Champions League as a third placed finisher. 

The Red Devils got off to an excellent start as 18-year-old Garnacho, making his seventh appearance for the club, fired home an impressive opening goal after 17 minutes; his first senior goal as a United player. 

De Gea found Bruno Fernandes' head with a long ball, before Cristiano Ronaldo threaded a right-footed through ball down the left flank to Garnacho; who surged forward and fired home a great finish from an acute angle.

Garnacho has also made three Football League Trophy appearances for United's Under-21s against senior league sides; bagging one goal in that competition - as he continues to look an impressive prospect for the future. 

However, despite an impressive defensive performance, United failed to trouble the scorers a second time and lacked the attacking impetus associated with Garnacho's fine opening goal. As such, Erik ten Hag's men must now settle for runners-up spot in Group E.

Cristiano Ronaldo had a great opportunity to double United's lead - but, in truth, Sociedad always looked more likely to get the equaliser than the visitors did to netting the potentially crucial second.

De Gea had to be at his best to deny the likes of Andoni Gorosabel and Pablo Marin, as Sociedad registered 13 shots, four shots on target and five corners - while United only mustered up a single shot on target, and two corners. 

The result means United will face an extra two games if they're to win the Europa League this season - and they'll be potentially tough ones. EtH's former employers Ajax, as well as Barcelona and Juventis are among the club's eliminated from the Champions League as third-placed finishers in their groups - meaning they will be unseeded for the play-off draw, and could face United next.

In the group's other game, Sheriff Tiraspol beat Omonia by a single goal to finish third in the group and transfer into the Europa Conference League.

Full Time - Real Sociedad 0-1 Manchester United
Attendance - 36,744