Whether it was the extenuating circumstances surrounding the night or a lapse in judgement, Manchester United did not look like their recent selves against Real Sociedad.
The Spaniards are United's toughest opponents in their Europa League group, but a home loss to a club who had not previously scored against them in four meetings was unexpected.
Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil warned the hosts before the match that his team “wouldn’t like to play for the draw”. United's standard dropped off in a fashion that will alarm Ten Hag, even if the awarding of the decisive spot kick seemed wholly unfair.
READ MORE: United player ratings vs Real Sociedad
United fired in a total of 15 shots during the game, with just three on target - the same amount as Sociedad, who only mustered seven attempts on goal.
Only seven days earlier Eriksen called on his teammates to be more clinical. Speaking after the narrow 1-0 win over Leicester, he said : “I think we should have [killed the game], it was similar to Southampton. We did very well until we scored.”
The in-form Marcus Rashford played no part in the match as Cristiano Ronaldo led the line for the first time since the 4-0 defeat by Brentford with Anthony Martial still injured. The superstar was caught offside four times throughout the match and fired four shots in anger during the second half.
Some may argue his presence stifles the team but the service Ronaldo was handed in the contest did not cater to a 37-year-old striker’s poach-play. Anthony Elanga and Fred were brought back into the team for the game but failed to inspire, and while Casemiro was unafraid to look for goal on his full debut, a defensive midfielder should not be taking on the shooting mantle.
Martial’s setback means United have few options up front, which could become a long-term concern given the Frenchman’s injury record and Rashford’s peak-and-trough form. Great teams win you matches but great squads win you trophies.
United won’t be able to score breakaway goals like they did against Liverpool and Arsenal every match and will need to think more cutely against deep-lying defences like Sociedad’s. Being patient and lethal, therefore, is crucial. United were neither of those last night.
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