Manchester United suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Real Sociedad in their first game of the season in the Europa League.
The Reds had a relatively quiet first half, failing to create as many chances as they have been creating in recent weeks. The second half was much better but the Sociedad defense proved too stubborn to break.
Cristiano Ronaldo, on his Europa League debut tonight, came closest as he headed Diogo Dalot’s brilliant cross out of the Real Sociedad goalkeeper’s reach. It was considered offside and the goal was subsequently disallowed.
The Spanish club opened the scoring in the second half thanks to Brais Méndez, who converted a penalty that both players and fans will feel like a tough decision.
Here are three things we learned from United’s opening game in this season’s Europa League.
Christian Eriksen is United’s most important player
Christian Eriksen picked up where he left off against Arsenal, giving another masterclass against Sociedad in the 45 minutes he was on the pitch.
The Dane was one of the few Arsenal winning players to keep their places in tonight’s starting eleven and it quickly became clear why.
Eriksen was United’s chief creator in the first half and seemed to be the most dangerous player on his side. On more than one occasion, the 30-year-old slipped past Ronaldo, who failed to capitalize on the opportunities he was given.
Beyond this, Eriksen was the Red Devils’ main promoter of the ball, brilliantly connecting defense and attack. He seemed extremely comfortable in tight spaces and evaded the tight pressure of the Society several times.
Their expertise was lost in the second half, when the 20-time English champions seemed bereft of ideas and penetrating passes into the final third. He is easily United’s most important player.
Ten Hag was right about Ronaldo
From his performance today, it is now clearer why Ten Hag has been reluctant to start Ronaldo, at times preferring Marcus Rashford as a striker over the 37-year-old.
Ronaldo, while not lacking in imagination, failed to show why he must start every game forward.
Numerous attacks disrupted the Portuguese captain, who has lost a meter of pace and seems unable to hold the ball and put his teammates on the line.
He had chances, but most of them were long-range efforts or headers from crosses. He himself seemed exasperated with his wasteful nature on the field tonight.
The highlight came in the 85th minute, when he received a spectacular ball into the box with time and space, but was knocked to the ground in a second by the Sociedad defence.
In tonight’s evidence, it may be that at this point the five-time Ballon d’Or winner either has to deal with a supporting role or play second fiddle to Rashford and Anthony Martial when he returns.
Youth will have a chance under Ten Hag
In addition to Anthony Elanga, who opened the game tonight, Alejandro Garnacho and Charlie McNeill also participated.
Garnacho, in particular, looked strong as he entered and had the Old Trafford faithful on the edges of their seats more than once.
Zidane Iqbal and Tyler Fredricson were named to the bench by the Dutch manager who is showing his faith in United’s young stars.
As of tonight, many will see a viable path to the first team.
