MANCHESTER UNITED eased through their Europa League last 32 tie against Real Sociedad with the goalless draw they needed after their 4-0 demolition job in the first leg.
An uneventful game for the viewer but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will not mind as he was able to rest stars with a view to Sunday’s huge clash against Chelsea.
Anthony Martial (top) was much more lively against Sociedad than in previous weeksCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Eric Bailly did his chances of a regular first-team role no harmCredit: AFP or licensors
The main source of joy for United fans will have been the amount of exciting young stars they caught a glimpse of in the second half – with Amad Diallo and Shola Shoretire getting precious minutes.
Here’s SunSport’s ratings on a routine night at an empty Old Trafford.
Dean Henderson – 6/10
Had nothing to do – but was vocal in organising his defence from the outset and did his prospects of taking the No 1 jersey from David de Gea no harm.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
Solid as ever from the right-back, who kept Sociedad at bay in the first half. Solskjaer urged him to press forward before bringing him off at half-time for youngster Brandon Williams.
Eric Bailly – 7
Added to his cause to be brought into United’s starting line-up on a regular basis with a solid display, snuffing out multiple Sociedad chances.
Victor Lindelof – 7
Has been pilloried by pundits in recent weeks who claim United need a new centre half but put in a solid display here, getting a crucial touch to deflect an Oyarzabal ball and deny a certain goal in the first half.
Blotted his copybook by getting booked for an acrobatic foul on Jon Bautista which saw a goal ruled out for Axel Tuanzebe.
Alex Telles – 6
Quiet on an evening where he was largely untroubled by Sociedad attacks, but delivered a peach of a corner for the disallowed goal.
Nemanja Matic – 6
Another day at the office for the steady Serb in a game where United were always going to enjoy the lion’s share of possession.
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Mason Greenwood – 5
Was uncharacteristically quiet in the first half on the right-hand side but livened up after the break and went close with a couple of strikes. Made way for fellow teenager Shoretire on 75 minutes.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
At his creative best in the first half, at the core of anything good United did – as he so often is. Was unlucky hitting the bar with a brilliant strike and played another superb ball only for James to head at the keeper.
Was subbed off at half-time to keep him fresh for the huge clash with Chelsea on Sunday.
Dan James – 5
Clumsily gave away a penalty just 13 minutes in and was thanking his lucky stars after Mikel Oyarzabal skied the resulting spot-kick.
He improved after that, however, and was more impressive going forward, using his pace to trouble the Sociedad defence with constant pressing. Was subbed off with an injury on the hour mark.
Lindelof was booked for the foul that saw Tuanzebe’s goal disallowedCredit: Getty Images
Fred – 4
He was booked for a clumsy foul on ex-United man Adnan Januzaj and Solskjaer subbed him at half time to avoid a repeat.
Anthony Martial – 7
Has had his form and commitment come under the microscope in recent weeks but looked more dangerous tonight – his movement troubled Sociedad all match and he tested the keeper with a couple of ferocious shots. Faded disappointingly after the break, however.
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Marcus Rashford – 6
Ended up an elder statesman in the line-up that finished the game, having orchestrated a few United attacks after his introduction at half time.
Axel Tuanzebe – 8
Was cruelly denied his first senior goal after VAR ruled out his header thanks to Lindelof’s foul. Played well in an unfamiliar central midfield role.
Brandon Williams – 5
Replaced Wan-Bissaka at the interval but was lucky to escape a second yellow.
Amad Diallo – 7
A confident display after he came on on the hour mark.
Shola Shoretire – 7
Broke Norman Whiteside’s record as United’s youngest player in European competition and didn’t put a foot wrong in his 15 minutes.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
