Manchester United made it out of the last 32 and into the round of 16 in the Europa League for the fifth time, having already progressed through in 2011-12, 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2019-20.
Though the second leg tie against Real Sociedad ended in a goalless draw, Ole Gunnar’s men all but eased into this year’s round of 16 with a 4-0 aggregate over their opponents first time victory at Turin last week.
15 – Manchester United remain unbeaten in each of their last 15 matches at Old Trafford in the UEFA Europa League, since a 2-3 defeat to Spanish opponents Athletic Bilbao in March 2012. Progressing. #UEL
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 25, 2021
The Spanish side started badly as their captain, Mikel Oyarzabal, missed a spot-kick and the chance to put the visitors ahead.
Real Sociedad have a chance to score from the penalty spot, but it's blazed over the bar by Oyarzabal.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 25, 2021
π΄ #MUFC
π #UEL
After a series of misses, Manchester United thought they had taken the lead when Axel Tuanzebe headed in what could have been his first United goal. Still, his celebration was cut short after a pitchside monitor ruled that Victor Lindelof had committed a foul leading to a plan, thereby cancelling the goal.
Approaching the final 20 at Old Trafford.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 25, 2021
Axel Tuanzebe found the back of the net earlier on, but his header was ruled out after a VAR review.
π΄ #MUFC
π #UEL pic.twitter.com/PeN2bU7xSE
As Ole Gunnar continues to give youngsters a chance, at age 17 years, for 23 days, Shola Shoretire became the youngest player for Manchester United in a European competition.
1οΈβ£7οΈβ£ years and 2οΈβ£3οΈβ£ days.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 25, 2021
Shola Shoretire becomes the youngest-ππ―ππ« #MUFC player to feature in European competition.
π #UEL pic.twitter.com/HdzgsX0pXj
17 – Shola Shoretire (17y 23d) is the youngest ever player to make an appearance for Manchester United in European competition. Fledgling. #UEL pic.twitter.com/0MLNaWfhPJ
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 25, 2021
The Red Devils will know their round of 16 opponents when the draws are made on Friday. The last-16 ties will be played on 11 and 18 March.
Back in the Premier League, United will travel to London, where Chelsea will be waiting to host them in what promises to be a cracker on Sunday.