Alejandro Garnacho’s first senior goal was not enough for Manchester United to top their Europa League group ahead of Real Sociedad despite a 1-0 win in Spain.
The result sees Erik ten Hag’s side finish second in Group E and means they must now compete in a two-legged play-off against a third-placed Champions League side in February.
United travelled to San Sebastian needing a victory by a two-goal margin to leapfrog Sociedad and they made the perfect start when teenager Garnacho controlled Cristiano Ronaldo’s fine through ball before driving forward and firing home in the 17th minute. The strike saw the 18-year-old overtake George Best as United’s youngest non-English goalscorer in European competition.
The Argentine then blazed over 10 minutes later before Ronaldo missed a glorious chance to extend United’s advantage just before half-time when he lifted his effort narrowly over the crossbar.
An impressive double save from David de Gea ensured United went into the interval with the lead they needed, but their search for that all-important second goal after the break was unsuccessful – despite the introductions of Marcus Rashford and makeshift striker Harry Maguire.
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The Europa League play-off draw takes place on Monday. As runners-up, United will find out who they will face in the next stage, with Barcelona, Juventus and Ten Hag’s former club Ajax among their potential opponents.
Sociedad, who ended up winning Group E on goal difference, will find out who they will play in the round of 16 on February 24 after the play-off round has been completed.
When is the Europa League play-off draw?
The Europa League play-off draw will be held at 12pm on November 7 at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
The eight group runners-up from the Europa League will be seeded to face the eight third-placed sides from the Champions League group stage.
The eight group winners from the Europa League miss out on the draw and receive a bye to the round of 16. On February 24, they will be seeded and drawn against one of the eight winners from the play-off round.
However, no two sides from the same national association can be drawn against each other in either the play-off round or round of 16.
What’s next for Man Utd?
Manchester United have three more fixtures before the World Cup. They return to Premier League action on Sunday when they travel to Aston Villa (kick-off 2pm). United then face Unai Emery’s side again in the EFL Cup at Old Trafford on November 10, live on Sky Sports (kick-off 8pm).
United’s final match before the tournament in Qatar sees them make the trip to Fulham in the Premier League on November 13, also live on Sky Sports (kick-off 4.30pm).