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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Liam Wood

Alejandro Garnacho impression of Cristiano Ronaldo and more moments missed in Real Sociedad vs Man United

It was a bittersweet night for Manchester United and their brightest new star Alejandro Garnacho as he scored his first goal for the club in a Europa League victory over Real Sociedad.

However, while it was enough for the teenager to steal the headlines, United came up short in the push to overhaul their Spanish opponents as Group E winners. It means they will have to secure last 16 progression the hard way with a two-legged elimination tie against a side coming down from the Champions League.

Ajax, Barcelona and Juventus represent three possible opponents there. But that is for another day as we focus on the Anoeta Stadium with three moments you might have missed on Thursday night.

READ MORE: Ten Hag warned about massive job

No holding back from Shaw

Having watched fellow England left-back Ben Chilwell pick up an unfortunate injury, Luke Shaw is (probably) home and dry when it comes to selection for the World Cup opener later this month. However, despite maybe seeing that as a potential warning sign, the former Southampton man was in no mood to cool down his preparations, throwing himself into one robust early challenge that went unspotted while cameras flashed to a replay.

Alejandro Garnacho and Cristiano Ronaldo (MB Media/Getty Images)

Stars align for Garnacho

One for quizzes further down the line: who assisted Garnacho for his first senior strike? It felt like the past, present and future rolled into one when five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo picked out the Argentina starlet and he finished with aplomb.

His winner was unmissable and yet, while match-goers and those watching at home were cheering, they might have missed his attempt to emulate Ronaldo and one of his iconic celebrations. It was a dream come true for the teenager.

Maguire plays supporting role

Ten Hag carved out his reputation as a coach with a free-spirited, modern philosophy. Sometimes, though, you have to rely on old-school methods and that's what the United 'headmaster' did here as he went in search of a second goal that would have been decisive.

After being summoned from the bench, it all felt a little playground-like when Harry Maguire headed up to join the attackers as an emergency striker.

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