New Delhi: Manchester United cemented their place in the last-16 of UEFA Europa League after a 0-0 draw against Sociedad in the second leg of Round of 32. United went into the match with a huge lead of 4-0, from the first leg. The draw for the last-16 is on Friday.
Manchester United were in control of the game as soon as first leg finished 4-0 last week in their favour. To Real Sociedad’s credit, they came to play and Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side did a really good job in containing the Spaniards. So, they will be happy with a clean sheet as they know they have reached the last-16.
United’s Ultimate Goal
Whoever United are paired with in last-16 will hardly relish facing them. United are hoping to reach the final this season, after failing to do so in past three seasons.
In his post-match interview Ole said, “This group feels hurt, and wants to go further.” Solskjær also said, “We’ve had a few setbacks and knocks, but it lifts us. If you fail in three semis, you want to do better and improve. It’s exciting. It’s a group of players that will improve, because we’re still a young team.” “From now until the international break we have seven or eight games [including] Chelsea, Leicester, Manchester City, West Ham, [Crystal] Palace: all important games, and then who knows who we will draw so these three weeks are massive but we are a good team,” he added.
United were a deadly while attacking. The Spaniards were shredded with one razor-sharp move in which Mason Greenwood lobbed the ball to Fred, whose turn-back found a lurking Bruno Fernandes. His shot from distance was classy and only Alejandro Remiro’s bar saved his team.
Injuries and debut
While talking about injuries Ole said, “We will have to check on him tonight,” the manager said of James. “Scot [McTominay], Donny [van de Beek], Edinson [Cavani] we hope they can be available for the weekend. Paul [Pogba] is still out for a few weeks.”
When Shola Shoretire entered for the last 15 minutes and joined Diallo, he showed the freshness about Solskjær’s ever-evolving squad.
At 17 years and 23 days, Shoretire became United’s youngest ever footballer in continental competition, lowering Norman Whiteside’s previous record of 17 years and 108 days, which was set in 1983.
