Manchester United Player Ratings vs Real Sociedad: 7/10 on for Bailly, Fernandes; James gets 5

Bruno Fernandes and Eric Bailly looked good as Manchester United played out a goalless draw against Real Sociedad in the UEFA Europa League.

Real Sociedad were rewarded for their positive start to the game just eleven minutes in as Daniel James fouled Andoni Gorosabel inside the Manchester United box to gift them a penalty. However, Mikel Oyarzabal made a mess of the spot-kick, sending it high and wide.

Manchester United slowly grew into the game and started to create chances with Anthony Martial forcing a save while Bruno Fernandes struck the crossbar with a lovely effort. James then had a chance to break the deadlock but headed straight at Alex Remiro as the first-half ended goalless.

The second half was off to a lively start as well with Manchester United substitute Marcus Rashford missing narrowly from a free-kick while Real Sociedad defender Modibo Sagnan saw his header bounce off the crossbar. Axel Tuanzebe seemed to have opened the scoring in the 63rd minute with a thumping header but it was chalked off for a foul by Victor Lindelof.

Neither team was able to breach the goal in the latter stages of the game as the contest ended in a goalless stalemate, meaning Manchester United go through to the Round of 16 stages of the UEFA Europa League with a 4-0 aggregate win. Here’s how we rated the performances of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men on the night.

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Dean Henderson: 6/10

Did not have a whole lot to do in terms of saves with Real Sociedad hardly threatening his goal. Vocal as always and showed good command in the box on a few occasions that he needed to. Another clean sheet in Europe.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 6/10

Was not tested a great deal defensively. Looked positive when he pushed forward and delivered a couple of enticing crosses. Made a couple of dribbles and clearances before being taken off at half-time to give Brandon Williams some minutes.

Eric Bailly: 7/10

Ensured that the in-form Alexander Isak did not get a sniff at goal, beating him for pace and strength. Made two interceptions, three clearances while also distributing well from the back. Completed one key pass as well. Good audition ahead of the Chelsea game.

Victor Lindelof: 6/10

Important intervention soon after the penalty to deny the visitors a goalscoring opportunity. Reckless jump saw him clatter into Jon Bautista earning him a booking and leading to Tuanzebe’s goal getting cancelled. Solid when he needed to be.

Alex Telles: 6/10

Getting the nod over Luke Shaw, the Brazilian was unable to make the most of his chance. Got forward well but his crosses weren’t always dangerous. Reliable at the back, did well to keep Adnan Januzaj fairly quiet on his return to Old Trafford.

Fred: 6/10

Full of energy and hustle in a typical manner as he pressed the opponents with intent. Got over-eager at times though and was booked quite early in the game. Made way for Axel Tuanzebe at half-time. Misplaced just two passes and completed a couple of dribbles before going off.

Nemanja Matic: 6.5/10

Solid as usual from the veteran Serbian, who made seven ball recoveries. Moved the ball intelligently and misplaced just five of his 72 attempted passes on the night. Looked to drive the team forward at times, making a couple of dribbles as well. Comfortable outing.

Mason Greenwood: 6/10

Good release for Fred which led to Fernandes’ shot in the first period. Quieter after that, but did make a couple of good runs in the second period and had efforts at goal but wasn’t able to break the deadlock.

Bruno Fernandes: 7/10

Captaining Manchester United on the night, the Portuguese international was his usual bright self and looked likely to make things happen each time he got on the ball. Struck the woodwork with a fine strike then created a chance for James, who failed to make the most of it. Taken off at half-time with an eye on the weekend game against Chelsea.

Daniel James: 5/10

Gave away the penalty with a needless foul and would have been relieved to see Oyarzabal miss. Made a good run to get on the end of Fernandes’ cross but should have put the ball into the back of the net. Taken off injured in the second period.

Anthony Martial: 6/10

May not have scored on the night but there were some positives in the Frenchman’s display when compared to his disappointing display against Newcastle. Drew a save from the Sociedad goalkeeper in the first half, showed some neat link-up play and worked hard off the ball.

SUBSTITUTES

Brandon Williams: 5/10

On for Wan-Bissaka at half-time. Booked immediately after coming on and lucky not to see a second yellow for a rash challenge soon after.

Axel Tuanzebe: 6/10

Replaced Fred at half-time. Thought he had scored his first goal for Manchester United only for it to be ruled out. Solid in midfield.

Marcus Rashford: 6/10

Came on for Fernandes at the onset of the second half, Went close with a free-kick soon after.

Amad Diallo: 6/10

On for James just before the hour mark to make his home debut for Manchester United. Showed some neat footwork soon after he came on. Helped out off the ball as well, making four tackles and a couple of interceptions.

Shola Shoretire: N/A

Thrown on in place of Greenwood for the final 15 minutes. Became Manchester United’s youngest-ever player in European competition.