Manchester United beat Real Sociedad 1-0 in Spain but didn’t win by a two-goal margin to qualify for the Europa League last-16 as Group E winners.
Here are five things we learned from the final Group E game in San Sebastian.
Van de Beek given very rare start
For the first time since December 2021, the 25-year-old started a game for Manchester United and he occupied the number ten role.
United’s number 34 last start came in the Champions League dead rubber against Young Boys when Ralf Rangnick was in interim charge.
The former Ajax man got 57 minutes in the tank before being replaced by Marcus Rashford.
With Bruno Fernandes suspended for Sunday’s trip to Villa Park, the Netherlands international will be hoping to start back-to-back games for the Red Devils.
Alejandro Garnacho breaks George Best record
The Argentine wonderkid combined with his idol Cristiano Ronaldo to devastating effect in the first half.
After collecting a pass from the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, United’s number 49 showed his blistering pace and composure to smash the ball with his weaker foot into the top corner.
Making just his second senior start for the twenty-time league champions, the 18-year-old became United’s youngest non-English goalscorer in major competitions overtaking United legend George Best, as per OptaJoe.
David de Gea makes miraculous double save
Continuing his rich vein of form following his inspired performance against West Ham, United’s number one produced a remarkable double save in the first half to ensure Ten Hag’s men stayed in front.
The 31-year-old got down low to tip a shot out wide before showing quick reflexes to block another effort to safety via his sternum.
Harry Maguire brought on to play upfront
With United needing a second goal to reach the last-16 as group winners, Ten Hag brought on the world’s most expensive defender to play upfront with Ronaldo.
Having opted against bringing on United’s number five to replace Victor Lindelof, the introduction of the former Leicester City man as a utility striker did seem an act of desperation.
United face play-off tie against Champions League side
After being unable to beat Sociedad by two goals in San Sebastian, the Reds will face a third-placed Champions League side in a play-off.
The draw for that round will take place on Monday and Ten Hag will have to contend with two extra games being added to the hectic fixture schedule.
We could be drawn against either Ajax, Barcelona, Bayer Leverkusen, Sporting Lisbon, Sevilla, Juventus, Salzburg and Shakhtar Donetsk.