United ease into last 16 of Europa League after Sociedad stalemate

Paul Singh 3 years ago 8.3k
Man Utd and Real Sociedad played out an exciting 0-0 draw in Manchester. AFP

Man Utd booked their place in the last 16 after an eventful 0-0 draw against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford. United won 4-0 on aggregate and both teams had clear opportunities to score.

Real Sociedad did not do themselves justice in last week's first leg in Turin when they were thumped 0-4 by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side and they earned themselves a well deserved draw on Thursday. It was a match full of action which saw the visitors miss a penalty, the home side have a goal disallowed and both teams strike the woodwork

The visitors started the better and were awarded a penalty with 12 minutes on the clock when Daniel James kicked Andoni Gorosabel from behind. However, the usually reliable Mikel Oyarzabal hit a terrible spot kick which went well wide of Dean Henderson's goal. 

Alguacil's side continued to threaten though and Guevara hit over minutes later, but then United woke up. Anthony Martial forced a fine save out of goalkeeper Alex Remiro before Bruno Fernandes struck the crossbar on 24 minutes. 

United could have hit the front nine minutes before the break when Bruno Fernandes picked out Daniel James, but the Welshman was denied by Remiro. 

In the second half, Rashford had an early effort and then Sociedad hit the bar themselves. A ball into the box saw Barrenetxea miss his kick and then Sagnan headed against the woodwork from close range. 

United quickly took charge again though and were very comfortable for the rest of the contest. Greenwood hit the side-netting with a chance and then Axel Tuanzebe thought he had put United ahead when he headed home an Alex Telles corner on 63 minutes. However, a VAR review showed that Lindelof had caught Jon Bautista in the head with his knee and the goal was chalked off

Martial then a forced a fine fingertip save out of the Sociedad goalie a few minutes later and then the final 20 minutes passed off without any meaningful chance

A draw was fair result on the night, but the tie was sealed in the first leg. Man United now wait to see who they will face in the last 16 in Friday's draw.

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Manchester United
Europa League
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