BASQUE CLUB REAL Sociedad visit Old Trafford for the first time.
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Manchester United 1-0 Real Sociedad
Good evening and welcome along to tonight’s Champions League coverage. Most of the Manchester Untied-relate talk over the past couple of days has revolved around Alex Ferguson’s new book but the Red Devils must put those distractions behind them for the visit of Real Sociedad.
The big news coming out of Old Trafford is that Robin van Persie does not even make the bench.
Here are the team line-ups:
Manchester United: De Gea, Rafael, Evra, Jones, Evans, Giggs, Carrick, Valencia, Kagawa, Rooney, Hernández. Subs: Lindegaard, Smalling, Büttner, Nani, Young, Fellaini, Januzaj.
Real Sociedad: Bravo, Carlos Martínez, González, de la Bella, Markel Bergara, Iñigo Martínez, Xabi Prieto, Zurutuza, Griezmann, Seferovic, Vela. Subs: Zubikarai, Ansotegi, Cadamuro, Pardo, Ros, Agirretxe, Castro.
David Moyes has gone with Javier Hernandez up front alongside Wayne Rooney up front while Shinji Kagawa should start on the wings with Adnan Januzaj dropping to the bench.
Ryan Giggs comes into midfielder and Jonny Evans partners Phil Jones at the back in place of injured pair Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.
Former Arsenal forward Carlos Vela gets the nod for the visitors while Xabi Prieto is a surprise instead of Ruben Pardo.
For those who were wondering, it has finished CSKA Moscow 1-2 Man City in Russia thanks to two first half goals from Sergio Aguero. Former Man United winger Zoran Tosic had put the hosts ahead.
Check out how our match report and all the goals here.
Moyes talking to Geoff Shreeves on Sky Sports about RVP:
“He never really recovered from the knocks he had away with Holland. We took the chance to give him a rest and get him ready for the weekend.
“They’re a good side. We’ll have to be patient but hopefully we can do it. The two wide boys is probably where we will see the biggest threat.”
A few facts about tonight’s opponents:
- A fourth place finish last season saw them book a place in the Champions League qualifiers, where they upset Lyon.
- They are currently 12th in La Liga after a disappointing start but did enjoy a 2-1 win away to Valencia on the weekend.
- It is only their second trip to England in Europe. Back in 1975/76, they were thumped 6-0 by Liverpool in the UEFA Cup second round.
Also, former Ireland striker John Aldridge became their first non-Basque signing in 1989.
Credit: Mike Brett/Mike Brett/Press Association Images
Looking to keep up-to-date on tonight’s other Champions League matches? We’ve got just the thing.
Click here for all the latest scores around Europe.
Leaking goals at the back:
Eamon Dunphy has been giving his thoughts on the Fergie autobiography and reckons is might have an impact on Wayne Rooney’s performance:
“Ferguson has reopened the Rooney case and added to it saying Rooney is not very bright. That is bound to be in Rooney’s mind. Rooney is a bit insecure at the moment. This could be a real test and he may just fail it.
“The whole explosion of this book will cast an even longer shadow (over the club). It will not help Manchester United at this point.
GOAL! Manchester United 1-0 Real Sociedad (Wayne Rooney)
So much for Dunphy’s comments. Rooney cuts inside and smacks the post with his strike before Inigo Martinez turns it into his own net.
Perfect start with less than two minutes.
Kagawa crosses from the left and Hernandez goes down in the Real Sociedad box after Martinez appeared to pull the Mexican. No penalty given.
United have a free-kick 20 yards out after a high challenge on Hernandez from Mikel Gonzalez.
Rooney and Giggs stand over it, but the former can’t beat the wall with his effort.
Home side looking well on top in these opening minutes.
Fine work from Antonio Valencia sees a cross whipped into Rooney from the right. The striker volleys with the side of his left foot but Claudio Bravo makes a decent stop.
That combination of Valencia to Rooney combine again but Rooney’s attempted bicycle kick says well over.
Hernandez heads home Giggs’ cross after the veteran takes a short corner but the Mexican is ruled offside. Correct call.
Raphael slides in on Alberto de la Bella and picks up a yellow card for his troubles.
Haris Seferovic takes on the United backline and upon dragging the ball to one side of Evans, hits a powerful shot which forces David de Gea into a really good save.
In other news, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored a first half hat-trick against Anderlecht. Two of three goals are worth checking out. You’re welcome.
Back at Old Trafford, Rooney’s free-kick is deflected wide and Phil Jones heads off-target from the resulting corner.
Real Sociedad captain Prieto attempts to take a quick free-kick but is booked by Dutch referee Bas Nijhuis, who has made some questionable calls so far.
Antoine Griezmann steps up next and finds the post with his attempt.
These two are watching on tonight.
Credit: Mike Egerton/EMPICS Sport
And we’re back. Job half done for United but they will be looking to put this to bed with another couple.
As I write that, Carlos Vela is inches way from connecting with a dangerous cross.
Valencia goes down after Martinez leans into the winger but play is waved on by Mr Nijhuis.
The away side have been knocking on the door in the last couple of minutes. United fail to clear properly on a couple of attempts and Evans ends up slicing the ball behind for a corner when it could easily have ended up in the back of the net.
United respond through Evra’s cross put out for a corner before Jones powers a header straight at Bravo from an excellent Kagawa cross.
De la Bella’s cross ends up causing De Gea some problems by clipping the crossbar.
Here’s that substitution now — Smalling is on for Raphael.
A super ball from Rooney puts Valencia through and the Ecuadorian sets himself before drive a shot off the post. Kagawa mishits the follow-up.
United are opening up their opponents at ease and should really be ahead by a few more. Valencia squares to Kagawa, and he takes a touch before shooting, which allows Gonzalez to make a block.
Rooney blasts over with the latest attempt on goal. They will be kicking themselves if Real Sociedad do manage to pull one back late on.
Two more subs from Jagoba Arrasate. Imanol Agirretxe on for Haris Sefetovic and Gonzalo Castro replacing David Zurutuza
Giggs brings down Griezmann and Pardo’s free-kick isn’t far away.
Ashley Young will get the final 10 minutes as he has just been introduced for Hernandez. Rooney will presumably move further forward with Kagawa coming central and Young slotting in on the left.
Rooney bursts through the and cuts the ball across where Young looks certain to score before Bravo comes flying off his line to clear.
Next Giggs picks out Kagawa and Rooney is guilty of missing from his Japanese team-mate’s cross.
Seconds later, Kagawa himself shoots into the sidenetting.
It should have been by more goals and a better team would have made Man United pay for not finishing the game off, but David Moyes gets his three points thanks to that early own-goal.
They site one point ahead of Bayer Leverkusen, who defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 4-0 at home, with the Ukrainians a further two points back in third.
Next up is Stoke in the Premier League on Saturday.
I honestly believe Man Utd will win the league under Moyes next season.
They’ll face stiff competition from Blackpool and Watford though.
Well this is about the hundredth time I’ve heard this
First time I heard it and it’s brilliant
Watford will be to strong for utd
Yawn…
I know James, it never gets old :)
United…. Filth
Haha. Monty brilliant. I said earlier I would watch this comedy show unfol
Haha. Monty brilliant. I said earlier I would watch this comedy show unfold. But nahhh. Gona watch actual good teams play . Madrid on. P.s. Every word I said about Ferdinand during the summer like he an overrated dinosaur that Fergie couldn’t admit he was robbed in paying 30 million for that stocking. So he stuck with him. I am backed uo now by Irelands best ever player. Roy Keane.
Is there anything about Pogba in Fergies book? Ha
Still watching joses lover?
To new bandwagon Manchester fan Les. s
Jose Mourinho’s record against Sir Alex Ferguson is pretty good: six wins, seven draws and two defeats in their 15 meetings. Here are the details of one of the most intriguing managerial rivalries in world football: while at Porto, Mourinho enjoyed a famous 1-1 draw at Old Trafford and a victory in Portugal in the 2004 round of 16 of the Champions League. As Chelsea manager, Mourinho won four, drew four and lost only once to Fergie in all competitions. In the 2009 round of 16, Jose’s Inter Milan drew one and lost one against United. Yes I do love Jose
Y5rh if you consider I went to me first game aged 3 in 81. You a chelskinfan since 2005
Ye ok Les. Your obviously new here. I am in my 40s and grew up in London. While you probably grew up in Galway and walk around in a Manchester jersey.
@paul why have you got a picture of terry with the champions league trophy when he’s never won it
Stop lying Les
Stephen… Get your facts right moron, Terry has a champions league winners medal, he just didn’t play in the final but he played the 70% of games required
Ok tell me which champions league final he’s won so
Stephen. Epic fail. Just epic.
Stephen can you read?? 2012 CHELSEA WON THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE & John Terry played enough games to get a medal while he was suspended for the final
Do you like fizzy orange by any chance?
So you think because he came onto the pitch with all his kit on after the game and received 1 of the 30 medals that uefa gave the winning team he’s won the CL. Hes “won” a CL tge same way keane won in 99
@ Stephen. Your talking absolute garbage. You obviously new to football if you can not remember Keanes performance in the semi final to get Manchester into the final. A fluke off a final if ever was one. Did not deserve the trophy in either of the finals Manchester played in.
Speaking of Frauds , Interesting how you have Terry as your photo , him being the biggest fraud of all, changing from a suit to his playing gear at the end of a game that he was banned form playing in ! so he can take credit for the win !!!, as Club and Team captain doing private tours of Sc*mford bridge and charging people for it !!!!
And did you see the look in keanes face when he was given his medal he knew he’d received a medal he hadn’t won it and as for united not deserving the trophy ye didn’t deserve to beat barca in the semis let alone Munich ye were completely outplayed by both teams and were shown to be the average team ye were
Jrmbc. Did they let you out for the night? And Stephen go back on to the rugby story’s because you know nothing about football. Good night lady’s. CFC the mighty
Paul you seem more interested in man utd then your own team.
CFC ( Consolation Football Club )
Christ giggs in midfield, I don’t know anymore. Plus side at least he’s giving Chico and Kagawa a game for once.
Where is Zaha?????
I think he’s a ball boy, cos that’s the closest he’ll get to the pitch
It wouldn’t be the first time Man United came back from a slow start and won something…….unlike some teams!
Yeah uniteds CURRENT manager has a great track record of that doesn’t he?
Ibrahimovic hat-trick after 36 minutes (PSG-Anderlecht). Might be going to achieve something special if he’s not substituted for rest.
P.S. I’m new to this so I hope I’m not doing anything wrong by mentioning other games besides Man Utd-Sociedad.
Kevin if your new to this you will want to listen to what I have to say. All off my predictions over last few months have and are coming through. Manchester are finished.
Good man Johnson… Keep in trolling ya big fraud
Moyes is the only fraud my mate. The De Moyes of Manchester.
We all know your a secret utd supporter….. You never stop talkin bout them… Ya big fraud
Well, I don’t want get into anything with you (and while I like Utd equally to the way I like Liverpool – neither are ‘my’ team but they’ve both always tried to play a decent standard of football) I will point out that Ferguson took a couple/few years before he even won the FA Cup. Utd might have a poor season by their standards but they’re not going away. Moyes did an absolutely brilliant job at Everton for over a decade – he needs to mould Utd to his way. That might take a couple of years but I think he’ll do it.
Forgot to mention that Moyes has yet to get used to the extraordinary phenomena of actually having lots of money to spend! There’ll be more exotic signings than Fellaini next summer.
Sorry Kevin but Moyes did a rubbish job at Everton. 11 trophy less years. He is the most unsuccessful manager in premier league history managing the most successful team. Sure Evertons new manager has them playing great football and won a trophy last season.
Ibrahimovic now on 4 goals so far tonight.
Being honest here Kevin and I am definitely not speaking for the rest of Man United supporters here but if Liverpool were to win the league this season,I wouldn’t be overly thrilled but it would be interesting to see them back in form. I don’t mind slagging,it’s part of the game but just like Liverpool in the 70′s and 80′s, United deserve respect for what they have achieved as well. But some people just cannot see that
Alright Paul. I may be new to posting on the Journal but I’ve posted on many sites for over a decade. I’ve swatted attention-seeking, needy, disingenuous, biased, argumentative, belligerent gobshytes the same way you’d swat a disease-infested flea. I’m not for a minute suggesting you’re similar to them but suffice to say I won’t be replying to you anymore.
So, how’s the football going?
Hi thankyousiralex. I seriously doubt Liverpool will win the league this year. I’m also quite sure Utd won’t either. To be honest, I’ve been looking more at the Spanish League in the last few seasons. Especially now that Athletico Madrid are a force. But hey, I just love football.
O look at all the big words. Aren’t you great. I don’t look for argument’s. I just hate Manchester. Its a cheating foreign supported kip.
So you think Chelsea are brilliant and I think Man United are brilliant and sure that’s all that matters yeah?
Paul,
Do you remember john terry falling on his ass one night in 2008? I do.
B E A
utiful
Giggs shouldn’t be playing at all. He didn’t make much of a difference when he came on for nani at the weekend. And playing once every fortnight isn’t enough for kagawa.
Giggs is old enough to be nani’s ( little girl ) Granddad
Play 70% of the champions league games or make an appearance in the final qualifies you for a medal, get that into your THICK skull
Better yet Wikipedia it or google it or do whatever you want & you will find that JOHN TERRY HAS A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNERS MEDAL
Stephen just stop will you
That was meant for that stupid person Stephen on the John Terry discussion, I’m not typing it out again!
Man United of old to show up tonight…you can all red thumb me away if they don’t produce and I’ll gladly admit I was wrong
The Man United of old are gone, the glory days are over!
still no sign yet, another 45mins to go..
11 mins left, you’ve been red thumbed I’m afraid
is David Moyes feeling Ok? Kagawa and Hernandez are starting. I hope they both have a good game and prove to David Moyes they should be regulars in the first team.
Kagawa is a quality player. Too bad he wont be there next year. Moyes in
Keep it Real, c’mon, show them how bad they are this year.
This is a battle of 2 European minnows…. United are DYING!
Who are Liverpool playing in the champions league tonight young lad?
Not in it my pedigree chum & united still can’t catch that magical number 5!!
In the champions league I support Bayern MUNICH MUNICH MUNICH
Hank. )Primeira Liga (2): 2002–03, 2003–04Taça de Portugal (1): 2002–03Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira (1): 2003UEFA Champions League (1): 2003–04UEFA Cup (1): 2002–03Chelsea (2004–2007)Premier League (2): 2004–05, 2005–06FA Cup (1): 2006–07Football League Cup (2): 2004–05, 2006–07FA Community Shield (1): 2005Internazionale (2008–2010)Serie A (2): 2008–09, 2009–10Coppa Italia (1): 2009–10Supercoppa Italiana (1): 2008UEFA Champions League (1): 2009–10Real Madrid (2010–2013)La Liga (1): 2011–12Copa del Rey (1): 2010–11Supercopa de España (1): 2012. That was in half the time that dinosaur fergie was managi
Id that trapatonnis record?
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/sep/26/jose-mourinho-cried-manchester-united
And still hadn’t the class to get the worlds premier job…
Stick to robbing the shop and doing your drugs ya s€umbag !
Don’t worry Kur(n)t…. I’ll be back over 23rd of next month Everton away, mad one, another early kick off & hopefully a bit of trouble this time!!
Yea with any luck you’ll get a bang on the head !
@Cant be stopped
You like it when people die in plane crashes do you?
Hahahaha Paul you’re some sad man, if you believe your some sort of psychic that Ferdinand was going to play bad this season!! He’s 35, even someone with your brain could figure out he was going to struggle!! And don’t be calling our champions league flukes now lad, when Chelsea had to defend for their lives as they were torn asunder by bayern and barca but still won the thing!! Ssssshhhh boy, also your carry on about us supporting clubs in England, I’m sorry my local club isn’t exactly what you’d call premier league standard… And John terry had no right to be lifting any European cup, if you kick someone in the arse and get a re for it, how you can be allowed to celebrate it on the podium is beyond me!people like you is why your known as plastic fans, waving your plastic flags, singing songs about Jose (did you wipe his face when he cried lad about not going to Man U)… Chelsea, great football club, but some seriously stupid and brainless supporters, pure Londoners I suppose, think they are all mighty and posh, and the boy here commenting on an IRISH website, get a life man!!
Its very good of the score to give such great coverage to the American
owned EPL team. Score looks after all the money laundering clubs but
practically ignores the one club who their honesty and hard work can
complete just as well as the money spoilt EPL teams. That team Celtic
have always had close links with Ireland unlike the more recent new
founded two way love affairs that exists between. EPL teams and Ireland .
Ok leo why was Van der sar man off the match then? Chelsea dominated but were robbed buy that horrible cheating club
Ha. Hank did you not watch your leader last night Dunphy graphically describe how Manchester are broke and is the reason why Manchester didnt go for Pep or Mourinho. I have a scales here. One side broke club with no future ( Manchester ) or great home supported club ( CFC the mighty ). Yes hard choice Hank.
Johnson your a fraud ….. And you lost the 2008 final because terry bottled it from 12 yards out….
I also heard him say Maureen wanted the utd job. But he wasn’t wanted. Because he has no class, so Chelsea right up his street. Horrible little johnny come lately club bankrolled with the blood of the Russian people. But I wouldn’t expect you to understand, your only about 12….
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/sep/26/jose-mourinho-cried-manchester-united
He cried!! Hilarious….
@pauljohnson you must be one of the most annoying people I have ever come across, just look at the amount of thumbs down you get on every post! #loser
Another tan that epitomises why the English are hated everywhere they go. Loud mouths!!
@paul. O no the red thumbs. There from people like yourself. Probably live in the middle of no were and support a foreign city. Cfc the mighty
Utd will win a trophy this season, probably not the league but a trophy of some description
Not the be all and end all if they don’t win the league though.They aren’t going to win it every year. It is a transitional year,I think 1 year for David Moyes to find his feet should be allowed,at least. If after 2 or 3 seasons United win no league title,then Liverpool/Chelsea/Arsenal fans have some right to take the piss but until then,enjoy the slagging. Can’t live off past glories forever
Past glorys?????? Chelsea won two European cups in a row last two season’s.
Was talking about Liverpool and Arsenal more than Chelsea there. I’m not being arrogant, it’s obvious United aren’t playing well but I don’t think 3 months after losing their manager should be seen as a decline…supporters of other teams are obviously going to slag though,just like we would
I object. I’m a Villa fan. By your logic, I’d never get to take the piss out of anyone :p. More to it then winning dude ;)
Well there is more than winning…winning is nice though
Moyes must be allowed at least a full season even with no silverware, no good bringing him in to sack him after a few months, we arent chelsea or real madrid.
The pool fans can mock all they want this season, after all they prefer us losing to themselves winning anyway so good luck to them. Someday they’ll realise that the pool arent even on utds radar and havent been for a very long time.
I was 12 last time we won a trophy so didn’t even get to celebrate properly. Wish I knew!
I’ll be watching Juventus-Real Madrid. Seems a more attractive fixture but then again you never know which of tonight’s 7 matches could be a classic. They could also all be crap!
Utd 1-0 up. Looks like I picked the wrong….hang on Ronaldo scores for Madrid!
Just reading some of the comments on Facebook from a lot of foreigners saying united were awesome and kagawa was brilliant! They were laughable against a very poor Real Soc side, not often I agree with Dunphy but he was bang on the money tonight. United are ageing and transfers are needed
Well it wasn’t the best performance ever but they showed some signs of what they’re capable of in the game,especially Rooney who had a great game.Too many chances not taken but showing signs of improvement…and a win is always welcome in the Champions League
Listening to the Dunphy and co you’d swear they lost and didn’t create a chance in the game at all
United always deserve stick… Yiz are dirt birds
A win is a win. i’m still annoyed with the lack of signings at United. The Glazers need to give David Moyes money to spend in January because if they dont spend they will finish outside the top four this season. if that happens it will be a disaster. The Glazers are parasites they couldnt care less what happens to United on the field as long as they are making money. They are ruining the club.
Phil Jones is like a young Tommy Cooper out there!
Not as funny though!
Must be said when the one with the biggest influence of the the club was not the players that were bought to make the difference it was the manager
Utd for sixth place
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
ha ha ha ha ha ha
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha