Manchester United 1-0 Real Sociedad: United improved, but can only scrape win

Manchester United produced a much-improved performance to deservedly beat Real Sociedad, but only an early own goal separated the sides after 90 minutes.

United got off to a fine early start as they opened the scoring in the second minute, some fine play from Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez forcing Inigo Martinez into a near-post clearance which he could only hack into his own net.

United continued to dominate the opening stages, and Javier Hernandez ought to have made it 2-0 shortly afterwards, but slipped in the area and failed to get on the end of Valencia's cross.

United faded out of the rest of the half around the twenty minute mark, and although the rest of the half wasn't too busy for either side, Antoine Griezmann did go very close with a free-kick which thundered off the bar.

Shinji Kagawa ought to have secured United's lead in the second half when a fine counter-attack saw Antonio Valencia pick him out with a smart cutback, but rather than hit it first time, the former Dortmund man took a heavy touch which resulted in his finish being blocked.

Real Sociedad came close to scoring soon after when Alberto de la Bella's cross-cum-shot struck the near post, deceiving David de Gea. The game was becoming increasingly stretched and Antonio Valencia was the next to go close, the winger driving into a familiar crossing position but opting for the shot, but his low effort struck the near post.

United were to have more chances, with Rooney escaping on the break and surging past the Sociedad defence before cutting a low centre for Ashley Young, but Bravo was able to get across and intercept the pass in the nick of time.

United had another chance to level the scores after more fine play from the surprisingly excellent Giggs released Hernandez, who crossed to find Rooney, but the striker miscued his shot and was ruled offside.