Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Nathan Ridley

Man Utd news: Bruno Fernandes makes Alejandro Garnacho attitude claim after futile win

Manchester United ran out 1-0 winners against Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday - but it still wasn't the result that Erik ten Hag was hoping for.

Due to Real Sociedad holding on to top spot thanks to their superior amount of goals scored, the Red Devils will have to face a team who were demoted from the Champions League over two legs in February to make it into the last 16. Barcelona and Juventus are among the potential opponents, only adding to Ten Hag and co's frustration.

Nevertheless, it was a dream night for Alejandro Garnacho, as he scored his first goal for United, set up by Cristiano Ronaldo. And it's the 18-year-old sensation who's made the most headlines - not all for the right reasons, though.

Here's a round-up of the latest news from Old Trafford.

Red Devils fall short

Manchester United travelled to San Sebastian knowing that they'd need to beat Real Sociedad by two or more goals in order to confirm their place in the last 16 of the Europa League. Despite an emphatic maiden goal from teenage prodigy Alejandro Garnacho, the Red Devils failed to build on a solid first half.

United scrambled for another goal while David De Gea and their defence made sure to shut Real Sociedad out at the other end. A silver lining to the result is that Erik ten Hag's focus for the January transfer window should now be obvious, as the Red Devils boss was forced to send Harry Maguire up front late on due to a lack of goals.

Check out our five talking points.

Fernandes reveals Garnacho's attitude issues

Although it was a dream night for Alejandro Garnacho on the pitch, teammate Bruno Fernandes brought him back down to Earth post-match with a telling revelation about his attitude problems in pre-season. Speaking to BT Sport following United's victory in northern Spain, Fernandes explained: "He was good, but he knows that we expect a lot from him.

"Obviously he's still really young, he's doing really well. He was not at his best at the beginning of the season. On the tour he didn't have the best attitude that he should have had, and that's why he didn't get his chances until now. He's getting his chances because he's training better, having a different attitude and deserving his chances."

Read the full story.

It's been claimed that Garnacho had attitude issues in pre-season (Getty Images)

Have your say! Should Garnacho start for Man Utd vs Aston Villa on Sunday? Give us your verdict in the comments section.

Ten Hag sends clear transfer message

Erik ten Hag needs forward reinforcements in January. That's the obvious message from the Dutchman, who bemoaned his lack of attacking options against Real Sociedad. "We need options because we have problems there," Ten Hag admitted. "Antony, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho are all not available. It is a team and we are happy with our performances, Garnacho was a threat and was reliable defending. If he can continue that, I will be happy."

He added: "We needed to bring extra offensive players in, but we were a little too erratic. We did not put our foot on the ball as much any more, there were fewer balls in the box. We had to take risks and that is what we did – but also keep a clean sheet."

More here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.