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Manchester United advanced to the Europa League round of 16 with a goalless draw against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Leading 4-0 from the first leg, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knew his team was over barring a capitulation, but he named a strong team that included Bruno Fernandes and Anthony Martial.
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La Sociedad had a chance to start an unlikely comeback when a clumsy challenge from Daniel James saw them awarded a penalty in the 13th minute. But captain Mikel Oyarzabal managed to send the penalty high and wide of goal.
United then had opportunities to increase their overall lead, Bruno Fernandes hit the crossbar in the 24th minute when he saw Society goalkeeper Alex Remiro off his line.
James then got a good save from Remiro with a header effort off a Fernandes fly ball in the 36th minute.
Both teams made three changes at halftime, perhaps taking into account United’s four-goal lead in the first leg and national interests.
Early in the second half, Marcus Rashford shot a very narrow free kick for United and Modibo Sagnan headed off the crossbar for the visitors as both sides sought to break the deadlock.
Substitute Axel Tuanzebe had a firm header disallowed by VAR in the 63rd minute after Victor Lindelof fouled Jon Bautista during preparation.
With the match coming to a close, Shola Shoretire was introduced in 76 minutes, becoming United’s youngest player in a European match at 17 years and 23 days.
