Sociedad 0 Man Utd 1: Garnacho the matchwinner but Ten Hag’s side fail to win group and could face Barcelona in last-32

ALEJANDRO GARNACHO’S landmark goal saw off Sociedad – but United failed to find the second goal needed to win their Europa League group.

The Spaniards topped the section on goal difference despite 18-year-old Garnacho rounding off a brilliant team goal supplied by his idol Cristiano Ronaldo.

6

Goal hero Alejandro Garnacho feels the love form his idol Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Getty

6

Real Sociedad defender Andoni Gorosabel can’t stop Alejandro Garnacho firing the winner with his first goal for Man UtdCredit: EPA

6

Argentinian Garnacho hails scoring the only goal of a tense Europa League clashCredit: Reuters

Finishing only second – after victory from their only real effort on target all night – means the Red Devils could face Barcelona or Juventus in the last 32.

Whizkid Garnacho’s magic moment came on 17 minutes – from the first taste of real quality or danger from either side.

Bruno Fernandes fed fellow Portugal star Ronaldo, whose exquisite pass was finished off with equal quality by the left foot of the Argentinian starlet.

David de Gea rescued the Red Devils after that – until they searched in vain for a second goal in the last 45 minutes.

But although United deserved their narrow win, they lacked inspiration and were fortunate Sociedad were without playmaker David Silva.

The Red Devils now face a tricky next stage in a competition where they might have fancied their chances – because they will be joined by sides dropping out of the Champions League.

Apart from traditional giants Barca and Juve, they could be drawn against Ajax, Bayer Leverkusen, RB Salzburg, Sevilla, Shakhtar Donetsk or Sporting Lisbon.

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

6

Man Utd keeper David de Gea was busy at times and here foils Pablo MarinCredit: Getty

6

Garnacho was at the thick of the action and fires in another effort on goalCredit: AP

6

Cristiano Ronaldo sees the ball and top place slipping away for the Red DevilsCredit: Reuters