Manchester United vs Real Sociedad Summary
With all the work done in Turin, Manchester United ground out a solid defensive performance against Real Sociedad in a 0-0 at home. United never needed to get out of second gear as they defended with composure despite rotation and substitutions at half time. An awful penalty blazed by Oyarzabal was the only real chance Sociedad had with Henderson’s night ending a quiet one. United had chances but could not take them. Bruno hit the post, Rashford narrowly missed from a set-piece, a hattrick of saves by the keeper and a goal ruled out by VAR denied United a larger scoreline.
All in all, the defending was excellent from United and the professionalism of the team should be applauded. The way the match went gave important minutes to Tuanzebe, Williams, Amad and Shoretire and crucially it allowed an opportunity to rest key players as Maguire, Shaw and De Gea didn’t feature, Wan-Bissaka, Fred and Bruno were rested at half time. With Chelsea to come on Sunday afternoon, United need a big win at the Bridge to keep pushing Manchester City all the way.
Manchester United vs Real Sociedad Player Ratings
Dean Henderson 7/10
Quiet night but commanded his box, distributed well and one real save. Solid game and an eighth clean sheet for the season.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 7.5/10
Almost perfect defensively bar one moment where he was too narrow but attacked with purpose.
Eric Bailly 8.5/10
Strong and commanding. Passed the ball nicely. I do hope he starts against Chelsea, unlikely as it may be. The fact he can deal with both Giroud or Werner’s play makes him perfect for the match.
Victor Lindelof 8.5/10
A very good game. Some big interceptions and tackles throughout the game.
Alex Telles 8.5/10
Solid defensively all game and put in some terrific crosses. Playing well when given the chance and I hope he starts midweek against Palace.
Nemanja Matic 9/10
Best player on the pitch again! Commanded the midfield, played incisive and forward passes and even drove into the box on occasion.
Fred 8.5/10
Much better game. Defended well, pressed with energy and pushed the team forward on the counter. A big performance needed on Sunday.
Bruno Fernandes 7/10
Played well and unlucky not to score. Rested at half time and we need him fresh for Chelsea.
Mason Greenwood 6.5/10
Direct but did struggle at points.
Daniel James 6.5/10
Lively but no real end product. Forced a good save from Remiro but probably should have scored.
Anthony Martial 6.5/10
Better than against Newcastle and had a couple of dangerous shots on goal. Has been very prolific against Chelsea recently and I hope he can grab a goal with Cavani injured.
Substitutes:
Brandon Williams 6/10
Got booked early and looked nervy at points but did well for the majority.
Axel Tuanzebe 7/10
Played in midfield and defended well. Not sure I saw him play too many passes but almost scored if not for VAR.
Marcus Rashford 7.5/10
Lively and caused problems. For those who did not realise, Thursday was the anniversary of his debut against Midtjylland and so it was a touching moment for him to come on and captain the side. Almost scored from a freekick.
Amad Diallo 7/10
Smart dribbling but couldn’t really get into the game.
Shola Shoretire 7/10
Took up good positions in attack and defended well.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 7.5/10
Made enough changes to rest players but keep the lineup strong. It was a professional performance from his side and he made changes at the right time to give players rest and others important minutes. Will need a tactical masterclass on Sunday with Chelsea on an eight game unbeaten run and only conceded two goals in that time. However, Ole has beaten Chelsea three times and Tuchel twice since taking over at United so the omens are good.
