Manchester United secured all three points in San Sebastian but it wasn’t enough for Erik ten Hag’s men to avoid a play-off game for a place in the Round of 16.
United finished 2nd in their Europa League group on goal difference despite a win against Real Sociedad. The Reds will be in the hat for the draw next Monday where they can face any of the Champions League drop-outs including the likes of Juventus, Ajax and Barcelona.
Here is how UtdDistrict rated the Reds’ performance against Sheriff:
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David de Gea - 7.5/10
Didn’t have much to do but bar an unbelievable double save in the first half. Reminiscent of when he denied Alexis Sanchez in that game at the Emirates in 17/18. His improvement with the ball at his feet was evident again tonight. He deserves his flowers so far this season.
Diogo Dalot - 6/10
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A hot and cold game for Dalot but got through most of his defensive work with little trouble.
Victor Lindelof - 7/10
Combined well with Martinez and it was a pretty faultless performance from the Swede. Brought off for McTominay in the 58th minute potentially due to just coming back from the illness that kept him out at the weekend.
Lisandro Martínez - 9/10
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United’s rock at the back. A man that many fans had never heard of a few months ago now can’t live without. Dealt with the aerial threat of Sorloth with ease. Another performance to silence the doubters. Warrior.
Luke Shaw - 7/10
Solid outing for United’s in-form left back. His relationship with Martinez continues to develop.
Casemiro - 6/10
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Defensively sound but struggled to gain any control in midfield alongside Eriksen.
Christian Eriksen - 5/10
Looked off the pace and lost the ball a couple of times in dangerous areas. The sheer volume of games he’s played this season looked to have caught up with him tonight. Subbed off with ten minutes to go.
Donny van de Beek - 4/10
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Relatively anonymous. He has to do more when he gets his chance if he wants to force a way into Ten Hag’s preferred XI. Tonight was another frustrating night for the Dutchman whose Old Trafford career continues to hangs in the balance. Withdrawn in the 58th minute for Marcus Rashford.
Bruno Fernandes - 5/10
Played in an unfamiliar role on the right. His header led to United’s goal but his final ball was often not good enough.
Cristiano Ronaldo - 7/10
Kept the Sociedad defenders busy. Perfect ball for Garnacho’s goal. Looked to tire in the second half after starting his third game in seven days.
Alejandro Garnacho - 7.5/10
Perhaps a surprise inclusion given what was riding on the game but he didn’t disappoint, much like his first outing. Took his goal incredibly well and was a great outlet down United’s left. A quieter second half but a promising performance from the young Argentine. Made way for Fred with just under 10 minutes left on the clock.
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Marcus Rashford - 4/10
Poor cameo from United’s number 10. Couple of flicks that didn’t work out and looked more like the Rashford of last season.
Scott McTominay - 4/10
Came on for Lindelof and struggled to influence the game.
Harry Maguire - N/A
Took the armband and went up front. The less said the better.
Fred - N/A
Came on in the 82nd minute. A couple of hopeful balls into the box is all he really offered.
Erik Ten Hag’s men won’t have to think about the Europa League until next year but the fixture congestion continues before the World Cup with a double-header against Aston Villa in the space of four days awaits The Reds.
Topics: Manchester United, Europa League, Real Sociedad