“You do not always get what you deserve. Tonight that is a fact,” Erik ten Hag said after his side failed to score the goal to lock in their place in the Round of 16.
United had to win by at least two goals in San Sebastian, and after Alejandro Garnacho’s record-breaking goal in the 17th minute, their mission was that much closer. Real Sociedad still edged their opponents out in most metrics, though. The White and Blues had more shots, shots on target, chances created, and corners according to The Athletic.
Ten Hag shared Fernandes’ message after praising his team’s form throughout the group stages.
“We are still there to win the Europa League and that is always but we have to go from round to round. We have to focus on that next round and that is what we will do.”
In the other manager’s box, Imanol Alguacil was overjoyed with his team’s performance.
“They’re competing like beasts. The only thing I ask of them is that we are proud of them, and I’ve been very proud of them for a long time.”
Alguacil also shared a message in support of a former Sociedad player David Quintano.
“I want to dedicate this victory to David Quintano, who was diagnosed with cancer after the match against Barcelona, and who 10 days ago, when he only had days left, sent me a message telling me how proud he was of this team. And he has passed away this week, he has left with the Real shirt on, so I dedicate this qualification to him.”
