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    Man Utd verdict: Ten Hag’s troops could face Barcelona or Juventus in last-32… or an emotional trip to Ajax

    ERIK TEN HAG could be handed a nightmare play-off tie against Barcelona after Manchester United failed to qualify top of their Europa League group.An emotional return to Ajax is also on the cards.
    Erik ten Hag failed to guide Manchester United to top of their Europa League groupCredit: Getty
    United fell a goal short of a bye through to the Europa League last 16 in Thursday’s 1-0 win against Real Sociedad.
    Instead a play-off tie to reach that stage against one of the eight sides to have dropped down from the Champions League awaits.
    So not only do Ten Hag’s troops have two extra games in an already hectic schedule, a tough test against one of Europe’s big hitters is also on the cards.
    Here SunSport runs through the eight teams Ten Hag and Co could face in a daunting play-off, which IS scheduled to take place in February.
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    Man Utd will find out who they face in a draw on Monday.
    Barcelona
    The Red Devils and Barcelona have faced off plenty of times in the Champions League, but could find themselves pitted against each other in Europe’s second-tier competition.
    The Spaniards are still rebuilding under Xavi and while they only won two of their Champions League group games, 10 wins out of 12 in La Liga proves they are still a formidable opponent.
    But it might finally give United fans the chance to see Frenkie de Jong play at Old Trafford.
    Frenkie de Jong could play at Old Trafford this season… for BarcelonaCredit: Reuters
    Ajax
    Ten Hag’s old side Ajax failed to qualify from a tricky Champions League group that included Napoli and Liverpool.
    The Dutch champions may have shipped 15 goals in four games against the high-flying Italians and the Reds, but are sure to raise their game if pitted against former gaffer Ten Hag.
    Ten Hag could be handed an emotional reunion with AjaxCredit: Alamy
    Sporting Lisbon
    Ten Hag isn’t the only one who could be handed an emotional tie.
    Cristiano Ronaldo’s former club, Sporting Lisbon, are another possible opponent.
    And the Portuguese outfit are no pushovers having taken four points off Tottenham in the Champions League group stages, and boast the talented Marcus Edwards in their ranks.
    Marcus Edwards and Sporting Lisbon would be an awkward tie for UnitedCredit: Getty
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    Juventus
    Another of Ronaldo’s old employers who could be drawn out of the hat.
    Although at this moment in time Sporting are probably the tougher opponents.
    The Italian side lost five out of their six Champions League group games, and are struggling down in seventh place in Serie A.
    Out of form Juventus are a potential opponentCredit: Reuters
    Sevilla
    The Spaniards are currently rebuilding under new manager Jorge Sampaoli, who only took over at the start of last month.
    But the Spaniards are Europa League specialists, winning the tournament in four out of the last nine seasons.
    They have also beaten United in two of the previous three meetings between the teams, including the 2020 Europa League semi-final.
    Europa League specialists Sevilla could be drawn out of the hatCredit: Alamy
    Bayer Leverkusen
    A disappointing Champions League campaign saw the German side fail to reach the knockouts behind Porto and Club Brugge.
    But Xabi Alonso’s side did beat Atletico Madrid at home and draw with the Spaniards away, so while they are a favourable opponent they are by no means pushovers.
    Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen failed to qualify for the Champions League knockoutsCredit: EPA
    RB Salzburg
    RB Salzburg knocked on the door of the Champions League knockouts until defeat to AC Milan in the final group game sent them down into the Europa League.
    But the Austrian outfit did hold Chelsea to a draw at Stamford Bridge to prove they’ve got what it takes to cause top opposition problems.
    RB Salzburg couldn’t capitalise on their impressive draw against ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Shakhtar Donetsk
    The Ukrainian side are arguably the easiest of United’s eight possible opponents.
    But, if drawn against them, the Red Devils will have to be wary of £87million Arsenal target Mykhaylo Mudryk.
    The 21-year-old sensation scored three goals and provided three assists during the Champions League group stages, and will be desperate to prove he can perform against Premier League opposition.
    The Red Devils could be drawn against danger man Mykhaylo MudrykCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd player ratings: Van de Beek fails to take his chance AGAIN while De Gea proves why he’s one of the best around

    ALEJANDRO GARNACHO scored the winner to give Manchester United an impressive win against Real Sociedad… but it wasn’t enough to seal top spot in the group.The Red Devils dominated the first-half but tailed off after the break and failed to add to Garnacho’s 17th minute strike in a scrappy second period.
    Donny van de Beek struggled on his first start of the seasonCredit: Reuters
    David De Gea shone between the sticksCredit: Getty
    Eyebrows were raised when Donny van de Beek was included in the starting line up for the first time this season.
    And the Dutchman did nothing to repay the faith Erik ten Hag put in him, barely managing a touch of the ball before being hooked with over half an hour left to play.
    There were impressive performances elsewhere, but David De Gea deserves credit for a stunning double save just before the break that proved the 31-year-old still boasts razor sharp reflexes.
    Here’s how SunSport’s Giacomo Pisa rated the Red Devils…
    Read More Man Utd News
    David De Gea – 8
    Not called into action much but pulled off a stunning double save just before the break.
    The first stop from range was good, but the follow up from Pablo Marin at point-blank range was even better.
    He may not be in Spain’s provisional World Cup squad because of his distribution, but the stopper proved he is still one of the best around when it comes to keeping the ball out of the net.
    Diogo Dalot – 6
    Growing more in confidence with each game, proven by nonchalant outside of the boot passes that he wouldn’t have attempted this time last season.
    Bruno Fernandes’ quiet night on the right hand side limited Diogo Dalot going forward, before he was moved into a back three when Victor Lindelof came off.
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    Victor Lindelof – 6
    Back in the side after missing the weekend’s game through illness but didn’t look off the pace at all.
    Taken off just before 60 minutes, which could be a suggestion Ten Hag had an eye on the weekend’s trip to Aston Villa.
    Lisandro Martinez – 7
    Yet another astute showing from the summer signing, who is now one of the first names on the teamsheet.
    A real leader, winning headers left, right and centre, and not afraid to put his body on the line despite United already being safely through to the knockout stages.
    Luke Shaw – 7
    Is now likely to be sure started for England at the World Cup after Ben Chilwell’s injury, and is on a nice upward curve ahead of the tournament.
    Another solid performance at left-back, who did all of the simple things well over the course of the game.
    Luke Shaw is on a good run of form ahead of the World CupCredit: Getty
    Christian Eriksen – 6
    A few loose touches from the usually composed Danish midfielder, but overall controlled the tempo of the game well.
    Some neat passes at times, but he wasn’t at his creative best.
    Casemiro – 6
    Broke up Real Sociedad attacks well and made a crucial clearance at the start of the second half to deny what was a dangerous ball into the box.
    Appears to be the preferred choice in the middle to Scott McTominay now, and didn’t do anything to change that with another steady performance in the middle of the park.
    Donny van de Beek – 4
    Handed a shock first start of the season with top of Group E on the line, and showed his rustiness with a non-existent showing in the first-half.
    More of the same after the break, which saw him hooked with over half an hour left to play.
    Alejandro Garnacho’s heat map
    Alejandro Garnacho – 8
    Teenager added to his credentials with another positive showing on the left hand side, capped off with an expertly taken goal.
    Pacey and direct, always eager to put his head down and run forward, which he did for the goal.
    Showed his speed to outsprint the defender before firing into the roof of the net with his left foot.
    Garnacho copied Cristiano Ronaldo’s new celebration after scoringCredit: Getty
    Bruno Fernandes – 5
    Shifted out onto the right hand side to accommodate Van de Beek, and didn’t have the same amount of influence he usually does on the wing.
    Can’t be faulted for his work rate though, tracking back tirelessly to help out in defence.
    Cristiano Ronaldo – 6
    Assisted the opener with a perfectly timed through ball into Garnacho.
    Quiet apart from that, and failed to improve on his incredible record against Real Sociedad.
    The 37-year-old had scored 13 goals in his previous seven games against the Spanish side.
    Substitutes
    Marcus Rashford (on for Van de Beek, 58 mins) – 6
    Tried to be positive after being chucked on for the last half an hour but failed to grab a hold of the game.
    Scott McTominay (on for Lindelof, 58 mins) – 6
    Looked a little off the pace when he came on, and couldn’t really get himself involved with the game.
    Maguire (on for Garnacho, 82 mins) – 4
    Came on for the last 10 minutes… to hilariously play up front as a target man.
    Didn’t manage to find the winner.
    Fred (on for Eriksen, 82 mins) – 4
    Barely touched the ball after being introduced for the closing stages. More

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    Arsenal 1 FC Zurich 0 LIVE REACTION: Tierney goal sees Mikel Arteta’s side through to last-16 of Europa League – updates

    ARSENAL beat FC Zurich tonight in the Europa League thanks to a first-half volley from Kieran Tierney. The Gunners finished top of Group A which means they will go straight through to the last-16 of the competition.

    RESULT: Arsenal 1-0 Zurich
    Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; White, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Vieira, Elneny, Lokonga; Nelson, Jesus, Nketiah
    Zurich XI: Brecher; Boranijasevic, Kamberi, Katic, Aliti; Conde, Selnaes, Guerrero; Tosin, Okita, Rohner

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    Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
    That’s all from the Emirates Stadium
    Arsenal secure their spot in the Europa League round-of-16 with a narrow 1-0 win over Zurich.
    The Gunners will now turn attention to Sunday’s highly anticipated London derby against Chelsea in the Premier League.
    Thank you for reading, and goodnight!
    Mikel Arteta reacts
    When speaking to BT Sport, the Arsenal boss said: “Job done.
    “It is not easy to win that many games in Europe. I don’t think it was the prettiest game we have played but we managed to win it.
    “I think we had chances, especially early in the game and at the end of the first half to get it into a more comfortable position.
    “We didn’t do that. We did not control the game well enough, especially in the second half. At the end, we were a bit leggy I think.
    “We gave them one or two chances but managed not to concede and keep a clean sheet and win.
    “We have been rotating. I think we are the team that have been rotating the most in Europe today. Players deserve chances and minutes and also the amount of games we play means we cannot maintain the intensity and players being fit.
    “We have all the games and fixtures in our minds to try and be competitive all the time. Today was really important. We know how important it is going to be with all the teams playing in February. Winning helps winning.
    “The atmosphere in the dressing room is much better after a win than a loss.”

    Kieran Tierney reacts
    When speaking to BT Sport, the left-back said: “We wanted to get the game done by 60-70 minutes and score a couple of goals, but we never done that.
    “I thought we saw the game out. They put a lot of pressure on us but we saw it out well.
    “We had to show fight and hunger because they came here with so much of that. We knew they would.
    “Their last couple of results have been good so they have grown in confidence. We dealt quite well, it’s just a pity we couldn’t score a couple more.
    “We won 5-0 a few days ago so it’s not like this [struggling for a second goal] happens all the time. Teams win 1-0. As long as we get a clean sheet we are confident we will score.
    “I want to play every game I can. I have to keep working hard. The manager knows I will give 100% whether I start or not.”

    Group A final standings

    Match Stats

    Top Guns
    Arsenal have won all nine of their home games in all competitions this season, their best winning run from the start of a campaign since 2009-10. (Opta)

    Full Time – Arsenal 1-0 FC Zurich
    Arsenal secure their spot in the Europa League round-of-16 with a 1-0 win over FC Zurich.
    The Swiss side didn’t make it easy for the Gunners, who failed to make the most of their chances throughout.
    But, Mikel Arteta can’t complain too much as his side will avoid the next round of play-offs, which are scheduled to take place in February.
    Full Time – Arsenal 1-0 FC Zurich
    Arsenal secure the top spot in Group A!

    90+4. Arsenal 1-0 FC Zurich
    Zurich come close to an equaliser as the ball is squared across the six-yard box, but Ramsdale comes off his line to collect.
    90+3. Arsenal 1-0 FC Zurich
    Arsenal come close again as Cedric sends a cross over to Nketiah in the box, but the striker cannot get enough on the ball to direct it towards the target.
    90+1. Arsenal 1-0 FC Zurich
    Five minutes have been added on…
    89. Arsenal 1-0 FC Zurich
    Final substitution for Zurich.
    Santini replaces Aliti.
    88. Arsenal 1-0 FC Zurich
    Just 15 minutes after he was introduced, Tomiyasu is forced off with what looks to be a hamstring injury.
    He is replaced with Cedric Soares.
    86. Arsenal 1-0 FC Zurich
    Arsenal are skating on thin ice right now.
    Zurich are pushing for an equaliser.
    82. Arsenal 1-0 FC Zurich
    Zurich make another substitution.
    Krasniqi is on to replace Conde.
    81. Arsenal 1-0 FC Zurich
    Viunnyk attempts an audacious shot from the edge of the box, but his effort flies narrowly over the bar.
    77. Arsenal 1-0 FC Zurich
    Two more substitutions for Zurich.
    Viunnyk replaces Tosin.
    Hornschuh replaces Selnaes.
    73. Arsenal 1-0 FC Zurich
    Two more changes for Arsenal.
    Odegaard is on to replace Vieira.
    Tomiyasu is on to replace White.
    71. Arsenal 1-0 FC Zurich
    Chance for Arsenal as White drives into the box before flicking the ball on to Saka, who runs it out of play before he can get the shot away.
    68. Arsenal 1-0 FC Zurich
    Zurich have the ball in the net, but the goal will not stand!
    Aliti is flagged offside.
    A wake-up call for the Gunners!
    65. Arsenal 1-0 FC Zurich
    Partey picks out Saka on the right with a fantastic pass.
    The winger brings the ball down with a superb touch before setting it through to Vieira, who attempts to shoot, but his effort flies wide.
    63. Arsenal 1-0 FC Zurich
    Mikel Arteta makes two changes.
    Saka replaces Jesus.
    Partey replaces Elneny.
    62. Arsenal 1-0 FC Zurich
    Conde is shown a yellow card for a late challenge on Lokonga.
    57. Arsenal 1-0 FC Zurich
    The Gunners break forward as Jesus threads the ball through to Nketiah.
    But, the striker struggles to find enough space to get the shot away and Zurich can eventually clear the danger.
    52. Arsenal 1-0 FC Zurich
    A quick pause in play.
    Tierney has had his shirt ripped off by Boranijasevic… literally.

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    Man Utd keeper De Gea makes incredible double save including deflecting ball away with his HEAD vs Real Sociedad

    MANCHESTER UNITED are once again indebted to David de Gea after a superb double save against Real Sociedad. With United leading thanks to Alejandro Garnacho’s opener, Real were pushing for an equaliser.
    David de Gea has once again been busy saving Man Utd’s baconCredit: Getty
    And they almost found it when a dipping volley was fired towards the bottom far corner, with De Gea just about able to get a hand on it and push the ball away.
    However, his work was not done as he reacted to try and smother a follow up shot.
    Miraculously he managed to prevent an equaliser as the ball cannoned off of his face and over the bar.
    While United have looked more defensively solid this season. the loss of Raphael Varane has seen United’s foundations wobble in recent weeks.
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    This has led to De Gea needing to put in a string of top class performances in order to win games.
    The game against West Ham is one such example.
    A fine pair of saves against West Ham ensured United secured three points against the Hammers.
    The first saw De Gea deny Kurt Zouma from close range with a superb diving save.
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    This was then followed up by a last minute pile driver from Declan Rice which was destined for the top corner were it not for De Gea’s reaching hand.
    In addition, De Gea appears to have improved his distribution since Erik ten Hag’s arrival, which has been a common criticism of his time at United.
    United needed to win by two clear goals in order to avoid a potential horror draw in the round of 32.
    And while De Gea’s heroics helped them to keep a clean sheet, The Red Devils were unable to find a second and consequently came second in their group. More

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    Fans all say the same thing as Alejandro Garnacho scores first ever Man Utd goal against Real Sociedad in Europa League

    THE past, present and future blended together for the “ultimate dream” – as teen wonder Alejandro Garnacho hit a superb opener for Manchester United supplied by his idol Cristiano Ronaldo.Argentinian winger Garnacho, 18, netted his first United goal in his seventh game – a gem of a team strike in Thursday’s Europa League clash at Real Sociedad.
    The master congratulates the apprentice as goal-maker Cristiano Ronaldo hails goal-taker Alejandro Garnacho for scoring against SociedadCredit: AP
    Garnacho finished clinically for Man Utd’s breakthrough goalCredit: EPA
    What better way to mark your first Red Devils’ goal than a reference to your hero’s own celebration as Garnacho does a RonaldoCredit: Getty
    And after the Red Devils’ starlet added a hint of a Ronaldo-style “Siuu” celebration, fans on social media seemed as excited as him by his perfect moment.
    One posted: “Imagine that your first goal as a professional is at 18 years of age, with the Manchester United shirt, in a European competition and it happens to Cristiano Ronaldo, who is your greatest idol in the world of football. The kid Alejandro Garnacho fulfilled the ultimate dream. EPIC.”
    That said it all but another observer tweeted: “Great finish by Garnacho. Why on earth did Man Utd ever waste so much money on the over-rated Sancho when they’ve got this lad? He’s better than Sancho.”
    This message spoke for many too: “What a moment that is for Alejandro Garnacho… The timing of the run and the finish is brilliant, the pass from Cristiano Ronaldo is also perfect, weighted to perfection and Garnacho scores. Superb goal from Manchester United.”
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    One fan noted: “Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first Manchester United goal before Alejandro Garnacho was born.”
    That was of course when Portugal legend Ronaldo, 37, was at his flying best in his first spell with the Red Devils from 2003-9.
    And although Ron is struggling to tie down a regular start in the Premier League this season, he showed on Thursday that he could be turning back time while Garnacho winds it forward.
    As one supporter posted: “Not a bad pass that from CR7 and what a finish from Garnacho.”
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    But another fan fears Garnacho won’t get the chance to fulfil his potential at Old Trafford.
    He posted: “The hype around Man United youngsters, last year it was Elanga and now Garnacho, eventually will leave just like James Garner.” More

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    Man Utd announce shock line-up for Real Sociedad clash with forgotten man making rare start in must win Europa League

    DONNY VAN DE BEEK is a surprise starter for Manchester United’s Europa League trip to Real Sociedad.The Red Devils are already through but a win by two clear goals in their last group game would see them get a bye to the last 16.
    Donny van de Beek is in the starting line up to face Real SociedadCredit: Getty
    Erik ten Hag has named Van de Beek in the starting line-up for the first time this seasonCredit: Reuters
    Erik ten Hag has put his trust in Van de Beek despite the 25-year-old playing just 30 minutes of action all season.
    Van de Beek has not started a single game this term, although the Dutchman has been struggling with an injury.
    It remains to be seen whether he will play out wide or in behind Cristiano Ronaldo, who also starts in Spain.
    Bruno Fernandes is in from the start too, with either the Portuguese playmaker or Van de Beek likely to play behind Ronaldo, and the other out wide.
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    Elsewhere, teenage wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho is one of three changes from the weekend, alongside Van de Beek and Victor Lindelof.
    Marcus Rashford, Anthony Elanga and Harry Maguire drop to the bench.
    Spanish side Sociedad were 1-0 winners at Old Trafford in the first group stage game back in September.
    United have won all four clashes since then and are safely through, but know the bye that would come with a two goal win will allow them to put their legs up during the last 32.
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    Finishing top of Group E would also see United avoid a meeting with one of the teams dropping down from the Champions League until later in the competition.
    Boss Ten Hag admitted in his press conference that topping the group was “important” – so Van de Beek’s inclusion is a slight surprise given his lack of involvement this season.
    When asked yesterday how crucial it would be to top the group, Ten Hag said: “Clear. Obviously, it’s important. We can win tomorrow night. We know what we have to do win by a two-goal margin.
    “But if you want to win the trophy you have to win all the games so we have to win every one.” More

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    Real Sociedad 0 Man Utd 1 LIVE REACTION: Garnacho goal seals win but United could play Barca in Europa League last-32

    MANCHESTER UNITED beat Real Sociedad 1-0 in their final Europa League group game thanks to a goal from teenager Alejandro Garnacho.But United failed to top their group and could now face one of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid or Juventus in the last-32 of the competition.

    RESULT: Real Sociedad 0-1 Man Utd
    Real Sociedad XI: Remiro; Gorosabel, Le Normand, Pacheco, Rico; Merino, Zubimendi, Marin; Mendez; Sorloth, Fernandez
    Man Utd XI: De Gea, Lindelof, Martinez, Dalot, Shaw, Van De Beek, Eriksen, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Ronaldo, Garnacho

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    Real night of celebration for Sociedad
    Despite losing the game tonight, it is a real carnival atmosphere in the ground as players and fans celebrate together after finishing top of Europa League Group E.
    They won five of their six games including a memorable win at Old Trafford to boot.
    Sociedad can look forward to the ’round of 16′ draw now with celebrations likely to go on long into the night.

    New format, bigger challenges
    UEFA’s decision to revamp the groups with the winner automatically qualifying for the ’round of 16′ adds a new edge to the Europe League.
    No longer can teams play weakened teams and take games for granted with top spot being so important.
    United paid the price for an opening matchday defeat at home against Real Sociedad and paid the ultimate price.
    They will now have to take on a team with Champions League experience from this season.

    A game of two halves
    In Spain this evening, United showed some real threat during the first half and could easily have found themselves more than one goal ahead.
    They came out in the second half and played like a side who were content with the 1-0 scoreline they had.
    United did not carve out enough goal scoring chances and did not test the Real Sociedad keeper enough.
    United leave themselves tricky fixture
    Due to the fact that Real Sociedad had a superior goal difference, Man Utd finish in second place in Group E.
    This leaves them with the reality of a play-off against one of the sides who finished third in their Champions League group.
    The prospect of facing the likes of Barcelona, Juventus, Sevilla or Ajax.

    FT: Real Sociedad 0-1 Man Utd
    The referee brings festivities to a close.
    Huge cheer from the home fans as they are confirmed as the winners of UEFA Europa League Group E.
    Man Utd could not find that second goal they craved.
    Real Sociedad 0-1 Man Utd
    90+4. The hosts are playing the dangerous game of sitting back now and trying to defend the current scoreline.
    For most of this game they have looked safest when they have United penned back in their own half.
    Corner kick to Man Utd.
    The chance is wasted as they play it short and cannot get a ball into the box as they pass it backwards with no options.
    Real Sociedad 0-1 Man Utd
    90+2. United need to throw caution to the wind now.
    They have nothing to lose but top spot in the group.
    With time running out, they need to throw everything but the kitchen sink at Real Sociedad.

    Real Sociedad 0-1 Man Utd
    90. We are going to have five additional minutes added.
    The home fans cheer as they get ever closing to winning Europa League Group E.
    Last chance saloon for the visitors as they have a goal kick.
    Shaw swings a cross into the back post where ironically Maguire is beaten to the header.
    You had one job.
    Real Sociedad 0-1 Man Utd – Dalot yellow card
    88. Time is running out for the Red Devils.
    They could be facing a tricky tie against a team demoted from the Champions League in February.
    Dalot is given a yellow card for his challenge on Guevara.
    Real Sociedad 0-1 Man Utd
    86. Sociedad win the free kick from the challenge of Martinez.
    He needs to be careful on a yellow card himself.
    Lisandro Martinez will now miss United’s next European game.
    Real Sociedad 0-1 Man Utd
    84. Unbelievably, Man Utd have Harry Maguire up front.
    It says a lot about their striking options.
    Could be something for Gareth Southgate to think about.

    Real Sociedad 0-1 Man Utd
    82. If United are able to find that second goal, it may just be too late in the game for Real Sociedad to react at all.
    ten Hag decides to bring on Fred for Garnacho and Maguire on for Eriksen.
    Some interesting changes from the visitors.
    Real Sociedad 0-1 Man Utd
    80. We are into the final ten minutes of the game.
    Still no closer to knowing who will top this group.
    It is anybody’s game.
    Sorloth shoots from the edge of the box but his effort is not troubling David de Gea’s goal.
    Real Sociedad 0-1 Man Utd
    78. Ronaldo puts a challenge in gives away a free kick.
    The Sociedad player rolls on the ground looking to get the United player his second yellow card.
    The referee is having none of it and tells him to get up.
    Real Sociedad 0-1 Man Utd
    76. Rashford is showing some energy up top.
    Chasing down the defenders whenever in possession of the ball.
    For all their efforts, United have not really created anything of note in this half.

    Real Sociedad 0-1 Man Utd
    74. Sociedad are knocking on the door.
    The ball is worked into the box from a wide position and is laid off to the sub Guevara.
    His shot forces a full-stretch save from de Gea who gathers the ball.
    Real Sociedad 0-1 Man Utd – Ronaldo yellow card
    72. Sociedad are struggling to get balls into the box.
    United are doing well to stop the cross.
    Long throw into the box, flicked on towards Fernandez who turns and shoots over the bar.
    Yellow card for Ronaldo for a challenge with a leading arm.
    Guevara comes on for Fernandez.
    Real Sociedad 0-1 Man Utd
    70. Fernandez stays down seemingly injured.
    The Sociedad striker seemed to hurt himself as the ball was knocked into the box.
    He is back up on his feet and moving again fortuntely.
    Real Sociedad 0-1 Man Utd
    68. We forget how a Real Sociedad goal would completely change the whole outlook of this game.
    United would need another two goals with time running out.
    The next goal is going to be crucial.

    Real Sociedad 0-1 Man Utd
    66. Rashford needs to impress if he hopes to be on that plane to Qatar as part of Gareth Southgate’s squad.
    There are lots of English strikers in form at the moment.
    Rashford has two more games to impress with United.
    Real Sociedad 0-1 Man Utd – Mendez yellow card
    64. Pressure is mounting on the visitors.
    As time ticks by, there hopes of finishing top of the group, slowly disappear.
    Mendez is booked for a foul on Luke Shaw.
    Real Sociedad 0-1 Man Utd – Martinez yellow card
    62. Martinez wins the ball but his follow through catches the player, very harsh free kick let alone yellow card.
    He came off the worse as well as player landed on his face.
    The home fans start to turn the place into a cauldron of noise.
    Real Sociedad 0-1 Man Utd
    60. United have a corner from a Rashford break.
    Eriksen cannot beat the man at the near post.
    Wasted chance.

    Real Sociedad 0-1 Man Utd
    58. Looks like there will be changes from both benches.
    Sociedad threaten the United goal with a couple of crosses but United manage to clear.
    van de Beek comes off for Rashford and Lindelof comes off for McTominay.
    Gorosabel comes off for Elustondo and Marin comes off for Navarro.
    Real Sociedad 0-1 Man Utd
    56. This has been a solid performance by the Red Devils so far.
    It would seem a hollow victory without the second goal.
    As time ticks on they need to be more and more adventurous.
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    Real Sociedad vs Man Utd LIVE: Stream, TV channel, team news, kick-off time for big Europa League clash – latest updates

    MANCHESTER UNITED take on Real Sociedad tonight in their final Europa League group clash – and they’re hoping to finish top.But Sociedad have won all of their games so far and look set to finish at the summit of Group E, having beaten United at Old Trafford on match day one.

    Start time: 5.45pm
    TV/Live stream: BT Sport 1
    Real Sociedad XI: To follow
    Man Utd XI: To follow

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    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
    Cristiano Ronaldo got on the score sheet as United beat Sheriff 3-1 at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    When is Real Sociedad vs Manchester United?

    Real Sociedad roll out the red carpet for Manchester United on Thursday, November 3.
    It is scheduled to kick off at 5:45pm UK time – 6:45pm local time.
    Reale Arena in San Sebastian, Spain is the chosen venue for this match and it can host approximately 39,500.
    Sociedad stunned United 1-0 the last time the sides met in September.

    What TV channel is Real Sociedad vs Manchester United on and can I live stream it?

    Real Sociedad vs Manchester United will be broadcasted LIVE on BT Sport 1 in the UK.
    Coverage is set to commence from 5:15pm UK time – 30 minutes before kick-off.
    Subscription holders of BT Sport can stream the entire action live via the BT Sport website or BT Sport app.

    What is the team news?
    Imanol Alguacil has been severely hit with injury problems ahead of this top of the table clash against Manchester United.
    The Sociedad boss is expected to be without Mikel Oyarzabal, Umar Sadiq, Mohamed-Ali-Cho, Ander Martin and former Manchester City icon David Silva.
    Takefusa Kubo’s dislocated shoulder from last week has also made him one of the few doubts alongside Ander Barrenetxea, Aihen Munoz and Alex Sola.
    Elsewhere, Erik Ten Hag has some injury setbacks of his own as the United boss will continue to be without Raphael Varane, Axel Tuanzebe and Brandon Williams.
    However, Antony, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Anthony Martial could all return to the fold having missed out on the West Ham win. More