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Champions League | Group Stage
Oct 23, 2013 at 7.45pm UK
 
RS

1-0

Martinez (2' og.)
FT(HT: 1-0)

Live Commentary: Manchester United 1-0 Real Sociedad - as it happened

:Headline: Live Commentary: Manchester United 1-0 Real Sociedad - as it happened: ID:113176: from db_amp
Sports Mole brings you live text coverage of the Champions League Group A match between Manchester United and Real Sociedad at Old Trafford.

Manchester United maintained their unbeaten record in this season's Champions League with a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford this evening.

The hosts took the lead inside two minutes when Inigo Martinez clumsily put the ball into his own net after Wayne Rooney had hit the post.

Sociedad also levelled things just before half time when Antoine Griezmann's free kick hit the post, while Alberto de la Bella also struck the woodwork after the break.

Antonio Valencia came within inches of doubling United's lead just after the hour mark, but he too saw an effort come back off the upright.

You can read how an exciting 90 minutes of Champions League football unfolded with Sports Mole's live coverage below.

Good evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for another huge night of Champions League football as three-times winners Manchester United take on Real Sociedad of Spain. Let's get straight down to business.
We'll start by looking at our hosts this evening, and it has not been an easy baptism for David Moyes in the United job. His side have not made the headlines for the right reasons on the field, and the club have also received plenty of negative attention for matters off the field this week following the release of former manager Sir Alex Ferguson's no holds barred autobiography.
The shadow of Ferguson was always going to loom large over whoever attempted to do the impossible and step into his shoes, but Moyes can't be happy with his predecessor's timing this week. United are not quite in crisis mode, but they are certainly performing vastly below the standards we were used to seeing during Fergie's reign. In hindsight, perhaps a clean, easy transition between managers was always going to be impossible given the impact Ferguson had on the club, but Moyes hoped that it would have gone better than it has.
The Red Devils are already eight points off the pace in their defence of the Premier League crown having played just eight games. United have often started slowly over the years before roaring back to inevitably win the title, but this season marks their worst start to a top-flight campaign in 24 years, so it would be a big ask for them to come back this time around.
Europe has provided a respite of sorts for Moyes and his side so far this season. United have managed to put their domestic troubles behind them and clinch four points from their opening two games - a tally which would be even better had Shakhtar Donetsk not nicked a late equaliser in their last match.
Still, an away draw to Donetsk and a convincing victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the opening match makes it a solid start for Moyes. They sit joint-top of group A with Donetsk - who face Leverkusen in Germany tonight - and their Champions League fate is still very much in their own hands this season.
If they are to pick up an expected victory tonight, they will have to improve upon their recent form. I've already mentioned that Moyes's United are falling short of the standards set by Ferguson's United, and that is perfectly demonstrated in their last six matches. If I'm being kind, I would describe their recent results as inconsistent, having won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six.
There is also cause for concern when you look at United's home record - even stretching back into the Ferguson era. Since United's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid in this competition last season, the Red Devils have only won six of their 13 home matches. That isn't the type of form that would worry most teams, but when you consider that they had won 10 home games in a row before that, it does become a concern for a club of United's stature.
Their record at Old Trafford in the Champions League is good, however. They have only lost two of their last 16 home matches in this competition, with that defeat to Madrid following a surprise loss to Cluj. It is a different story when it comes to Spanish teams, though, as they have only managed one win in their last six home games against Spanish opposition - a 1-0 victory against Barcelona in the 2008 semi-final.
Another worry for United tonight is that they have been eliminated from Europe by a Spanish side in both of the last two seasons. Athletic Bilbao managed it in 2011, while Madrid dashed Ferguson's dreams of a third Champions League crown last season. Of course, the Red Devils can not be eliminated tonight, but it is just something to think about for them.
One difference between those matches and tonight's is that the Spaniards arrived in England full of confidence. That certainly can't be said for Sociedad, who have not had an overly-encouraging start to the season.
Their situation is fairly similar to United's in that they have struggled to get going under a new coach this season. Philippe Montanier led them to a superb fourth-placed finish in La Liga last season, but new boss Jagoba Arrasate has not been able to follow that up so far.
Perhaps their luck is beginning to turn, though. They pulled off an impressive 2-1 win away to Valencia at the weekend, ending an eight-game losing streak in the process. Before that victory, their last win had been in the qualifying stages of the Champions League, while their last domestic win was on the opening day of the season.
They will be hoping that the Valencia result will be a turning point in their league season, and a similar performance tonight could be a turning point in their Champions League season. They certainly need something to get them going having lost their opening two games, scoring just one goal in the process.
That record unsurprisingly leaves them languishing at the bottom of Group A, and third straight defeat tonight would all-but spell the end for them in the Champions League this season. They could feasibly be seven points behind the top two by the end of play today which, with three games left, would surely rule them out of contention.
TEAM NEWS: The team news is in for both sides, and the biggest story is the absence of Robin van Persie for the hosts. The Dutchman is not even in the squad for United, with Rooney and Hernandez starting up front. Kagawa also starts, while Fellaini drops to the bench. Full team news for both sides coming up.
MANCHESTER UNITED STARTING XI: De Gea; Rafael, Jones, Evans, Evra; Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Kagawa; Rooney, Hernández
MANCHESTER UNITED SUBS: Lindegaard, Büttner, Smalling, Fellaini, Nani, Young, Januzaj
REAL SOCIEDAD STARTING XI: Bravo; C. Martínez, Mikel, Iñigo, De la Bella; M. Bergara, Zurutuza, X. Prieto; Vela, Seferovic, Griezmann
REAL SOCIEDAD SUBS: Zubikarai, Ansotegi, Cadamuro, R. Pardo, Ros, Chory Castro, Agirretxe
So, what can we make of those two teams? Well, the only place to start is with United, and it is a very interesting selection from Moyes, no doubt shaped largely by injuries. Van Persie is the most obvious absentee, presumably through a late injury, but there are plenty more decisions that are worth talking about from the hosts.
Starting at the back, Moyes has opted to stick with the same central duo who played against Southampton at the weekend. Ferdinand and Vidic both missed that game through injury, and they have not passed a fitness test in time for tonight's match, hence their absence from the squad. Giggs is also chosen in central midfield, preferred to Fellaini who has made a slow start to his career at United, while many Reds fans will rejoice at the sight of Kagawa in the starting lineup again.
Wayne Rooney's inclusion is no surprise given his superb recent form, but there is a small question mark lingering about how he will respond to the criticism he received in Ferguson's autobiography. Ferguson insisted that Rooney did ask to leave the club this summer and also claimed that the striker was a slow learner and struggled to keep fit - now it is time for him to respond.
Partnering him up front in the absence of both Van Persie and the injured Welbeck is Hernandez, who has become something of a bit-part player under David Moyes. He and Kagawa especially will have points to prove tonight. There is also only a space on the bench for Januzaj - the youngster on everybody's lips - despite him having registered for the Champions League this week.
As for Real Sociedad, they will be boosted by the return of captain Xabi Prieto, who made his comeback from injury during their win over Valencia at the weekend. He isn't likely to be 100% match fit, but his presence will certainly add something to the Sociedad midfield.
Arsenal fans may also be aware of a certain Carlos Vela lining up for the visitors. The striker was highly thought of at the Emirates but never quite fulfilled his vast potential there. Van Persie will be aware of him from those Arsenal days, while Javier Hernandez will also know all about his Mexican compatriot from international duty.
Sociedad have opted for a slightly different formation to United this evening, although I expect both sides to be fairly fluid with how they line up. United have a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Rooney expected to play just behind Hernandez, while Sociedad have gone for a straight 4-5-1, although that is likely to become 4-3-3 when they are on the attack.
PREDICTION: We are 10 minutes from kickoff at Old Trafford, so it is about time I made a prediction for this match. Both sides are struggling domestically and both are also getting used to life under new managers. However, with their superior quality and home advantage, I just can't look past a United win in this match. The Champions League has been a outlet for them this season, and I think it will continue to be so tonight. 3-0 to the hosts.
It is a step into the unknown for both of these sides tonight, as they have never faced each other before. They will get plenty of time to scope each other out tonight, however, before returning to Spain for the reverse fixture next month.
While it is the first meeting between these two side, Sociedad do have limited history against English sides, although it is fair to say that their memories of such matches are not fond ones. Their one and only trip to England before tonight resulted in a 6-0 defeat at the hands of Bob Paisley's Liverpool in the 1975 UEFA Cup. That was one leg of the tie, which Liverpool won 9-1 on aggregate.
Of course, this isn't the only Champions League fixture on offer tonight. You can follow all of them with us on Sports Mole, just take your pick of the matches by clicking here. If you don't plan to go anywhere, however, I will keep you up to date with major events from around the continent as and when they happen.
The city of Manchester has already been represented once this evening, with the blue half pulling off an impressive win in a tricky match away to CSKA Moscow. Sergio Aguero scored twice in a 2-1 win for Man City, and you can check out our match report for that game here.
All eyes will be on Old Trafford right now, though. It is a very interesting team selection from David Moyes which could go either way depending on the result. We're hearing that Van Persie is still suffering from some knocks picked up on international duty and has been rested for tonight's match, but given that he started against Southampton at the weekend you'd think that he would have been fit enough to start if needed.
KICKOFF: The hosts get us underway at a noisy Old Trafford. The club are trialling a standing and singing section for tonight's match, and they are making plenty of noise at the moment.
GOAL! Manchester United 1-0 Real Sociedad (Inigo Martinez, og)
What a perfect start for United, but they are helped by an enormous slice of luck. Rooney does brilliantly cutting in from the left, beating four defenders on his way into the box before digging out a shot that comes back off the inside of the post. The rebound looks to be heading straight for Hernandez and Martinez, in his haste to stop the Mexican having a simple tap in, inadvertently knocks the ball into his own net.
It's hard to know what to feel for Martinez there really. He had to do something, and the ball did take an awkwardly high bounce, but it was still a rather calamitous own goal. Still, no matter how it ended up in the back of the net, huge credit has to go to Rooney who did so well in the build up.
A quick start was exactly what United needed today. Confidence is of short supply at the club at the moment - at least in comparison to what they are used to - so that will give everyone a lift. It has certainly created a renewed sense of optimism amongst the supporters.
PENALTY SHOUT! Hernandez is screaming for a penalty as he appears to be bundled over by Martinez, who is also falling to ground when the supposed foul occurs. It was a superb ball from Kagawa and it would have been a certain goal had Hernandez stayed on his feet, but he just lost his footing at the crucial moment - the referee was right not to award a penalty.
UPDATE: There is a glamorous tie going on in Madrid at the moment as Real take on Juventus. The hosts have taken an early lead there through, surprise surprise, Cristiano Ronaldo - once a hero here at Old Trafford, of course. Galatasaray are also now 1-0 up against Copenhagen.
Sloppy play from Kagawa as he doesn't notice a player right on his back and sends an under-hit pass that is easily picked off. The resulting shot is deflected wide, and the corner is wasted.
Hernandez goes down and begins rolling around on the floor clutching his face after Mikel Gonzalez raised his boot high to clear the ball. The defender had to go for it, and I'm not sure he even made contact with the United striker, but the free kick is given nonetheless.
Rooney wastes the free kick, however. After a lengthy discussion with Giggs as to who will take it, he curls it into the middle of the wall from a good position.
CHANCE! It should be 2-0! United patiently wait for a way through before working it out to the right flank. The resulting cross from Rafael is met by an unmarked Rooney, but his volley from eight yards is well saved by the keeper. It wasn't the easiest of chances, but Rooney would have expected to score.
United are in complete control at the moment and Sociedad have struggled to get settled so far. The Spanish side's defence is looking particularly shaky, and United look dangerous every time they come forward. I wouldn't be surprised if they were to add to their lead sooner rather than later if things carry on like this.
Valencia makes his way down the right flank and sends a cross towards Rooney, who is seeing a lot of the ball at the moment. The delivery is slightly behind the striker, forcing him to adjust and go for the spectacular, but unlike that famous bicycle kick against Man City a few years ago, this time the ball comes off his shin and goes well over.
UPDATE: All of Europe's big hitters seem to be on song tonight! Zlatan Ibrahimovic has just got in on the act, giving PSG a 1-0 lead away to Anderlecht.
DISALLOWED GOAL! The United fans briefly think that they have doubled their lead, but the celebrations are cut short by the linesman's flag. Giggs and Rooney worked a corner well before the former cut inside and dinked a lovely cross towards the back post. Hernandez has been lazy in not getting back onside, however, and his header is correctly ruled out.
YELLOW CARD! The first card of the day goes to Carlos Vela, who picks up the caution for a late challenge on Phil Jones. It was a genuine attempt to get the so he can feel a little hard done by, but you can see why the ref produced the yellow.
UPDATE: A flurry of goals have gone in around Europe. In the other Group A match, Leverkusen have taken the lead against Shakhtar Donetsk, while Juventus have now equalised against Real Madrid through Llorente. PSG have also doubled their lead against Anderlecht, with Ibrahimovic getting his second of the night.
It has been an impressive performance from United so far - exactly what they need given their recent form. Rooney is looking sharp, and Sociedad are struggling to deal with both him and his supply lines, which are coming from both wings.
YELLOW CARD! Rafael is the second player in the referee's book, and this one is even harsher than the first. The United right back did dive into the challenge, but he missed the player - and the ball - and should not have been booked.
UPDATE: Bayern Munich have taken the lead against Plzen in Germany thanks to a penalty from Ribery, while another spot kick in Spain has seen Real Madrid regain the lead against Juventus. Ronaldo got his second there. Olympiakos also now lead Benfica 1-0.
SAVE! Giggs is dispossessed in midfield and the referee allows play to continue despite the Welshman's protests. Seferovic picks up the ball and makes ground given Evans's reluctance to tackle him before unleashing a powerful shot that De Gea needs to tip over the bar. That is the best moment of the match for the visitors so far.
It has been better defensively from Sociedad in the last few minutes. They have plugged up the gaps that were far too commonplace on the wings, and the likes of Valencia, Rafael, Evra and Kagawa are not making as much headway down the flanks now.
YELLOW CARD! Kagawa hangs a leg out a trips Martinez after a clever turn from the Sociedad man. The referee books the Japan international but, more worryingly for the hosts, Sociedad have a free kick in a good crossing position.
They waste it, however, with the cross flying straight into the arms of De Gea, who did not have a single opposition player around him.
UPDATE: He keeps telling us that he is good, and he keeps proving it too. Ibrahimovic has completed a first-half hat-trick to give PSG a 3-0 lead against Anderlecht.
UPDATE: Reigning champions Bayern have doubled their lead against Plzen courtesy of a David Alaba strike, while Galatasaray are also now 2-0 up against Copenhagen.
YELLOW CARD! Yet another booking as Bergara is the latest to fall foul of this strict referee. To be fair, this is probably the clearest caution of the lot as he brought down Giggs just as the veteran was about to embark on the sort of mazy dribble that he has been doing for decades.
Rooney drills a low strike through the wall from the free kick and it took a deflection, which results in a corner. From the resulting delivery, Phil Jones has a pretty clear header, but he can't steer it on target.
YELLOW CARD! This referee is trying to steal the show at the moment. Xabi Prieto goes for a quick free kick, trying to catch De Gea off guard, but having gone for goal the referee needlessly books him.
OFF THE POST! The ball is pulled back for the free kick to be taken again, and what an effort it is. Griezmann bends is towards the superb corner and it smashes against the post with De Gea beaten. That is so unlucky for the Sociedad man, and it is also a warning shot for United.
Kagawa spins away from his man with a brilliant pivot which takes him into the box. There is a shot on, but he chooses to square it, allowing Bergara to get back and make a vital interception.
There will be just the one minute of added time at the end of this first half.
HALF TIME: Manchester United 1-0 Real Sociedad
So far so good for United. They head into the break with a narrow but deserved lead thanks to a Martinez own goal. It was a perfect start to the half for United, but the tide did start to turn as Sociedad began to settle, and the visitors will still fancy their chances of getting something from this match.
The hosts were ahead within two minutes thanks to a moment of brilliance mixed with a moment of madness. The brilliance was provided by Rooney, who weaved his way in and out of a number of tackles before curling his shot against the far post. Then came the madness as Martinez bundled the ball into his own net in an attempt to prevent Hernandez having a simple finish. It was a clumsy piece of play from the defender, but he had to try something to deny the lurking United striker.
United were rampant for the first 25 minutes or so as Sociedad struggled to cope with their attacking threat. The hosts looked dangerous every time they ventured forward, particularly when they attacked down the wings. It was surprising that they didn't add to their lead in that period as the visitors' defence looked at sixes and sevens at times.
However, Sociedad did fight their way back into the match and it was much more even in the final 20 minutes. The visitors didn't threaten too often, but they came within inches of getting an equaliser shortly before the break when Griezmann's fantastic free kick came back off the post. They will be buoyed by how they finished that half, and they are still very much in this match.
The star of the first half - despite the referee's best efforts - was Wayne Rooney. He pulled the strings for United for much of the half and was the main tormentor of the Sociedad defence when the hosts were running rampant at the start. He was desperately unlucky not to have opened the scoring just before the own goal, but there is no doubting how big a part he played in that goal. He turns 28 tomorrow, which should mean that he is pretty much in his prime now. His current form certainly backs that up - he can do no wrong at the moment.
I mentioned the referee there, and he has certainly not helped this game in any way. He has not allowed it to flow, and the yellow card has been produced an unnecessary amount of times. I think we have had five cautions already tonight, but he could have got away with only giving one, if that.
The most ridiculous of the yellow cards came when he booked Prieto for taking a free kick early. There was no need to produce a card, all he had to do was call play back and tell them to take the free kick again.
KICKOFF: Real Sociedad get us back underway in this match. They will be looking to start this half quicker than they did the first.
They almost make a perfect start too! Griezmann finds space on the left and curls a dangerous ball in the space between the defence and the keeper. Vela loses Evra and is inches away from making contact, but he just can't reach it.
Valencia goes sprawling to the floor under the challenge of Inigo Martinez, but he is not getting a penalty despite his furious protests. The extra official - as ever - makes no decision, and the referee chooses not to award the spot kick, which is a rare correct decision from him tonight.
Sociedad work space to shoot from the edge of the box, with Seferovic the man to eventually let fly. He lets the ball run across his body before shooting with his left foot, only to see Phil Jones make the block.
It has been a much better start to this half from Sociedad. They pummel the United box with crosses, each one being just about dealt with by the defence. The scramble finally comes to an end when Evans slices a clearance over his own crossbar - that could have gone anywhere.
CHANCE! Big chance for United to double their lead and makes things a little more comfortable. Kagawa clips the ball towards the back post and Jones attacks it with purpose, but tries to beat the keeper at his near post instead of aiming his header back across goal. That allows the keeper to make a fairly comfortable save, and the danger passes.
Valencia gives away a free kick in a dangerous position for a high foot on Vela. The angle may be against the shot here, but they could whip a dangerous delivery in towards the back post.
Zurutuza seemed to be in two minds there whether to shoot or cross. In the end, he appears to shoot with the power of a cross, and drifts his effort off target.
UPDATE: There have been more goals in the other Group A game and it is Leverkusen who have got both and now lead Shakhtar Donetsk 3-0. As things stand, United will be on their own at the top of the group. Elsewhere, Juventus have been reduced to 10 men with Chiellini being showed a red card, while Cavani has made it 4-0 to PSG in Belgium.
OFF THE BAR! My word, Sociedad almost level the sides with a thunderous effort from an impossible angle from De La Bella. The full-back looked like he was going to cross it but I am pretty sure it was an intentional shot that clattered off the United keeper's near post. If he meant that it was a fabulous effort.
MAN UTD SUB: The first change of the night sees Chris Smalling replace Rafael, presumably because the Brazilian is on a yellow card with a card-happy ref in charge.
It all opens up for Rooney in the middle, but he doesn't catch the shot as he would have liked. His 25-yard effort is tame and easy for Bravo to collect.
Carrick just tries to thread the ball through to Hernandez, but his pass is marginally over-hit which allows the defender to muscle the Mexican out and clear the danger.
OFF THE POST! It is United's turn to hit the woodwork as Rooney releases Valencia with a superb through ball. The winger takes a touch before looking for the bottom far corner, but his strike came back off the foot of the post and Kagawa could not turn the rebound in.
This is a very open match at the moment and I would be surprised if it stayed 1-0 for long. United are looking as dangerous as they did in the first half, but Sociedad are also now looking capable of scoring and are very much still in this match. We're in for a good final 25 minutes!
CHANCE! What a chance for Kagawa! Hernandez flicks the ball on to Valencia, who again has a clear run to goal. This time he reaches the byline and pulls it back for an unmarked Kagawa, but he chooses to take a touch, while allows Carlos Martinez to make a magnificent block to deny the attacker a certain goal. Great defending, but if he had shot first time there he would have scored, simple as that.
SOCIEDAD SUB: The visitors make their first change of the day as captain Xabi Prieto, who is still looking for full fitness following an injury, is replaced by the 21-year-old Ruben Pardo.
UPDATE: Ibrahimovic has his fourth of the night and PSG now lead Anderlecht 5-0. Bayern, meanwhile, have scored two goals in quick succession and now lead Plzen 4-0.
Valencia flicks the ball on and Rooney finds himself goalside of the defender with a bouncing ball in front of him. He has scored some memorable volleys in his time, but this one won't join the list as he slices it wide of the near post.
UPDATE: Bayer Leverkusen are now 4-0 up against Shakhtar Donetsk in the night's other Group A game. That would throw the standings wide open, and will also act as another incentive for Sociedad to try to get something out of this game.
Giggs threads a clever pass into Kagawa, who takes it in his stride with a lovely pirouette but then just loses control at the vital moment as the ball runs into the waiting arms of Bravo.
SOCIEDAD SUBS: A double change from Sociedad sees Imanol Agirretxe and Gonzalo Castro come on in place of Seferovic and Zurutuza.
United need to be careful in these closing stages. Sociedad have looked dangerous at times in this second half and this one is by no means over. You can be sure that the pressure will increase as time goes on in the final 10 minutes.
Giggs brings down Griezman on the edge of the area, which will give the felled player another chance to go for goal from a set piece. His last effort came back off the post, can he go one better with this one? It is in a good position.
It is another good effort, this time from Pardo, but his accuracy is a yard or so off as it flies past the post. De Gea didn't look unduly worried with that one, but it wasn't a million miles away.
MAN UTD SUB: Javier Hernandez hasn't done much to enhance his claims for a first team spot tonight. He makes way having not had a huge influence of the match to be replaced by Ashley Young.
SAVE! Kagawa, who is no playing in a more central role, squeezes the ball to Rooney, who works space to shoot from 25 yards. So many times we have seen him whip those shots towards the top corner, but this time it is too close to the keeper, who makes a flying but comfortable save.
Just over five minutes remain in this match and United are determined not to invite pressure on themselves at the moment. That is wide with such a slender lead, but it is inevitable that some sort of siege will come from the visitors late on.
UPDATE: Cardozo has netted a late equaliser for Benfica against Olympiakos. However, the main story from that match is the torrential conditions it has been played in. It is a wonder that it hasn't been abandoned.
GREAT DEFENCE! A promising Sociedad attack breaks down and suddenly United launch a quick breakaway. Rooney leads it, sprinting past a man before looking for an unmarked Ashley Young at the back post. He chooses the right ball, but Bravo has read it and gets a vital foot to the ball before Young.
Rooney's blushes are spared by the linesman's flag. Giggs rolls back the years with a brilliant burst past three players in the middle of the park before sliding a lovely pass through to Kagawa. The Japan international tries to find Rooney inside the box, but he scuffs his shot before looking up to see the flag raised.
United are finishing this match very strongly. Rooney and Kagawa link up again inside the box there, but the latter is forced out wide and sees his shot from an impossible angle hit the side netting.
The fourth official indicates three minutes of added time at the end of this match.
There was a hint of desperation to the United defence there as Agirretxe threatened to race through on goal. In the end, he is denied by an untidy but important contribution from Evra and Jones as United scramble the ball away.
FULL TIME: Manchester United 1-0 Real Sociedad
The referee calls time on an entertaining match, and it is a welcome three points for David Moyes and Manchester United. Coupled with Bayer Leverkusen's emphatic victory over Shakhtar Donetsk this evening, that puts United in control of Group A as they edge towards the knockout rounds.
It was ultimately only an own goal that separated the two sides, although United will be thinking that they should have won by more than just one. Both sides hit the post twice, but the hosts dominated for large periods and had a number of chances to increase their lead which they were unable to take.
It wasn't all United, however. Sociedad certainly played their part in the entertaining fixture, and were briefly on top for a period at the start of the second half. They created a few chances of their own in addition to striking the woodwork twice, but once again their problem was putting the ball in the back of the net, something they have still only managed once in the Champions League group stages this season.
Wayne Rooney was the star of the show today, continuing his good form with a virtuoso display. He dictated the tempo and pulled the strings for much of the game, as well as providing a constant threat up front for the hosts. The only goal of the game will go down as an own goal, but what the history books won't tell you is the part that Rooney played. He beat three men before hitting the post with a fine effort, which set up Martinez for the clumsy own goal.
Right, that's all we have time for this evening. Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for what was another special night of Champions League football as United triumph over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction and analysis, which will be on site shortly. There is plenty more European football on show in the Europa League tomorrow night, so join us again for live coverage of those matches. Until then, though, it is goodbye!

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